The man who was recently awarded an OAM for services to rugby league to go alongside his Australian Sports Medal has memorabilia from the former Group 5, Group 4, Northern region and NSW Country plastered all over the walls, as well as a litany of photos, jerseys, contracts, clippings and programs that he now fears might skip a year after a violent grand final day effectively ended the support received from major sponsors Wests Entertainment Group.

Cox, who has held almost every role in the group and region, has also served on the WEG board, including seven years at vice-president now fears that their (WEG) decision to withdraw all sponsorship from senior rugby league could have dire affects for years to come.

While the former Tamworth City star understands that WEG did have to act he believes they went too soon when withdrawing well over $100 000 from all senior league, including group, clubs and referees association sponsorship.

“It is a no win situation but the group has done the right thing and went straight for the bad apples and rubbed them out for very long times,” Cox said.

Some of the suspensions handed out included a 20 year, 15 year and ten year terms for some offending players.

“WEG should have waited to see what the group did before they withdrew the sponsorship,” Cox said.

“You have to wonder if there is another agenda there.” 

While Cox said that there is no excuse for the behaviour displayed on grand final day, and understands that the sponsors were painted into a corner his biggest concern is that the repercussions will be felt by many more innocent players and individuals than guilty ones, with a lack of sponsorship capable of bringing the group to its knees.

“I was devestated on grand final day and would have thrown my medals on the ground if I had them,” Cox said.

“And while I agree with WEG’s decision at some stage we have to look after the innocent players, and coaches and crowd.” 

“Wests Leagues Club’s original charter was to foster rugby league in the local community and a lot of people have put a lot of work in to make that happen.” 

“What did the Referees Association do and Diggers weren’t even there.”

“Somewhere on that board there is a second agenda that made it easier for them to pull out of rugby league completely.” 

“WEG do a lot of grand things for the community and different groups and clubs but if they go through with this there might be no point opening up sponsorship for the year after.” 

“They hold rugby league in this region in their hands and I hope that they know that, I think they do.”

“Give them another chance now that the bad apples have been dealt with.” 

“I can’t see a good competition happening without WEG on board – it is a shame but that is the way it is.”