Acting secretary of the club Peter Finucane said he was furious about the way the club’s application had been handled, while Group 16 president Dean Lynch said it was an unfortunate predicament that the club would miss the 2016 season. 

After originally being denied entry, Tathra underwent an appeals process and was given options to merge with Bombala through portability rules.  

However, the Blue Heelers later opted to stand alone and rejected the proposal from the Sea Eagles.

Bombala Blue Heelers president Colin Ryan said Bombala was fielding three teams this year.

“We are coming back bigger and better than last year,” he said.

Mr Finucane said Tathra then hustled to get a third side together as his understanding of the Group 16 bylaws was entry through three teams into the senior competition. 

CRL regional manager Kevin Felgate said unfortunately the bylaws stipulate one of the three sides must be a first grade team, ultimately resulting in the rejection of Tathra’s playing application. 

Tathra was among clubs that agreed to the bylaws, which ensured players would be graded adequately and not bloat the reserve grade competition with top players. 

“The rule was to ensure first grade players were not competing in a reserve grade team after Cobargo re-applied in 2012 and similarly when Candelo-Bemboka rejoined,” Mr Lynch said. 

Mr Lynch said clubs voted to allow the Sea Eagles extra time to merge under portability or register a top squad. 

“It was the wish of all the other clubs that another month be granted to Tathra so that they could re-submit their application so as to meet the Group 16 criteria,” he said. 

At the next meeting of the group, Tathra went in to vote, pushing its three teams, but was voted down, because no first grade side was entered.

Mr Lynch said the refusal was unfortunate.

“I know that the Tathra committee are disappointed with the decision and personally I would love to see them playing this year,” he said.