'Gut wrenching': The emotion behind an unexpected exit

Tony Pellow simply describes it as "gut wrenching".

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Connor Kirkwood has been left with an "empty feeling".

Jamy Forbes reckons he's "shattered".

The Entrance fullback Tony Pellow. Picture by Marina Neil

The fallout from an unexpected exit continues for The Entrance Tigers, who have withdrawn from Newcastle Rugby League competitions barely a week after 2026 grand finals.

While an official club statement has yet to emerge, its understood finances were a key factor in Monday night's decision by the board.

Pellow, the team's star fullback and highly regarded within NEWRL circles, admits it's been "a long few days".

"It shocked everyone," Pellow told the Newcastle Herald.

"I'd understand if we weren't competing in the competition, other than Maitland we've been in finals the last four years and in title contention. It's a sad time."

Entrance first joined NEWRL in 2021 and reached play-offs the last four campaigns (2022-2026). The Tigers most recently lost a minor semi 12-10 to eventual champions South Newcastle.

"We were two points away from winning that game and maybe going onto a grand final and not even having this conversation. Very disappointing," Pellow said.

Pellow, who joined the playing leadership group to meet with club officials and make a board presentation last week, said "this was the best group I've been part of".

"It feels like the rug has been pulled out from under us," he said.

Players will now largely go their separate ways, some potentially staying loyal with The Entrance locally on the Central Coast, but no doubt Pellow and co. will land in the off-season recruitment sights of NEWRL rivals.

"I'm pretty lucky in that sense, basically every club has reached out," Pellow said.

"It's just a matter of the player points and finding the right place.

"I'll still be playing Denton [next year], but need to have a few meetings and see what suits me and my family.

"I don't really want to rush into anything. Just when I'm ready. I still can't believe it."

The likes of captain Ryan Doherty and fellow forward Jake Woods are long-time players out of EDSACC Oval.

Kirkwood, previously at Cessnock, Macquarie and Kurri, said it was an "empty feeling".

Forbes, a former coach and club legend, only replied one word about the call: "shattered".

Greg Walsh, an Entrance board member, was contacted for comment on Wednesday.

NEWRL's flagship competition will now be reduced to nine sides in 2027, but stays at 16 games each. Two byes will be added to a slightly extended 18-round schedule.

Adam Devcich, general manager of NEWRL, added: "Denton Cup will still be just as competitive, only with one less team. My concern is more for the Central Coast competition, because the whole reason why Wyong and The Entrance joined NEWRL in the first place was because of how dominant they were locally."

Wyong Roos, who broke away from NEWRL around 12 months ago, have qualified for Central Coast grand finals in all five grades this weekend. This marks their first season fully back home.

The Entrance Tigers fullback Tony Pellow, second from left, at last month's finals launch. Picture by Marina Neil

The Newcastle Rugby League has lost a second club in as many seasons.

The Entrance Tigers will not continue in NEWRL competitions in 2027.

The NEWRL confirmed their departure on Tuesday.

A final decision was handed down by the club's board on Monday night, following discussions about football operations last week.

The Entrance fielded men's first-grade and under-19 teams in the NEWRL this year.

The club is yet to comment. The Entrance chief executive Colin Woods did not return calls on Tuesday.

Much like Wyong, The Entrance look set to refocus their efforts on the Central Coast competition in 2027.

Looking ahead, the NEWRL men's first-grade will become a nine-team competition next season.

"Each club will still play 16 matches during the regular season," the NEWRL said in a statement released on Tuesday.

The Entrance Tigers playing NEWRL in 2026. Pictures by Marina Neil

"The competition will be conducted as a full home-and-away draw across 18 rounds, with each team receiving two byes throughout the season."

The Entrance had qualified for top-five finals the last four campaigns (2023-2026), reaching a prelim in 2024.

The Tigers, who first joined NEWRL in the wake of COVID interruptions, claimed the under-19 premiership less than a fortnight ago.

The club's withdrawal could spark a signing frenzy.

Rival NEWRL teams are already believed to be circling star fullback Tony Pellow.

Several former Wyong players landed elsewhere this season after the club withdrew late last year.

The NEWRL's statement reiterated players from Central Coast clubs would still be considered "impact transfers" for the 2027 season, as per the Player Points Index System rules.

This could be reconsidered for 2028, the NEWRL statement said.

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