Officials hunt the final finals suspect
IPSWICH Rugby League officials hope the rugby league community can help identify the final remaining thug who invaded the playing field during this year's under 18 grand final.
The heavy-set man, of Pacific Islander appearance walked onto the ground as the original pitch invader was being removed by security personal.
Without provocation, the man then physically attacked the first offender with a series of punches.
Despite four weeks of discussion with clubs, the IRL has been unable to identify the man and president Jack Rhea hopes the local football community can help send a message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
"We are keen to find out who this guy is, but if we can't we have photos of him and we will deal with him in his absence," Mr Rhea said. "Someone will know who he is so we just hope someone comes forward to help us out."
Eight people have already been identified from video footage as invading the ground during a fight that broke out at the end of the spiteful premiership decider.
Three men, who entered the field but didn't get involved in the fight, have already fronted an IRL disciplinary panel and been issued 12-month suspended bans from all QRL venues.
Four other men failed to appear and have been banned indefinitely until they answer the allegations against them.
The man identified as the main instigator of the pitch invasion yesterday met with IRL officials to arrange a time for his disciplinary hearing and is expected to be handed a lengthy ban.
The QT understands he is a relation of one of the under 18 players and ran from the other side of the field to get involved in the fracas.
Eleven players from Norths and Brothers were also suspended for the early weeks of next season for their role in the on-field fights.
The action comes after the Brisbane Junior Rugby League imposed bans on 58 players after a wild day of brawls on the day before the Ipswich incident.
A 17-year-old player received a life ban, while a 15-year-old spectator will spend two years on the sidelines.
Mr Rhea wouldn't speculate on the fate of the two main instigators in the Ipswich incident, but his comments on grand final day indicate stiff penalties await the pair.
"If they can be identified they will never be allowed back into a game of rugby league in Ipswich as long as I have a say," Mr Rhea told the QT on the day.
