The fallout from several incidents during games this year has taken its toll and the general Group 3 committee made up of stakeholders from each of the competition teams decided against allowing the club to re enter the group.

Group 3 secretary Barrie Smith said it was disappointing for the club and the entire Kempsey community but at the same time stressed it was imperative that the rules were followed.

"What we've said to them is that the town and the community have got to take ownership of the team," he said.

"While it's disappointing not to have them in the comp, rules are rules.

"You can't drive down the right hand lane of the road, it's that simple. Don't break the rules."

Recently elected secretary of the Mustangs, Bruce Cain, admitted to several breaches but said the outcome was "manifestly excessive".

"To deny a club the opportunity to play for the few minor indiscretions is just ridiculous," he said.

"We haven't had any communication from the Group to say why, just a letter saying we can not compete next year."

"We're waiting to hear back from the CRL at the moment."

But the club seems to have the support from the CRL with chief executive officer Terry Quinn adamant that he would like to see a positive outcome.

"Kempsey needs a team playing in the competition," he said.

"The incidents throughout the year were not good and we understand that but we need to look to the future.

"The club have come a long way and are undergoing a culture change with an almost completely new board.

"It's up to the clubs, but they need to look at what's best for the game."