The Boomanulla Raiders are disappointed Harden's sanctions for spectators' racial abuse didn't include the loss of competition points and a forfeit of the game.
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And an apology would've been nice.
But Raiders secretary Esma Livermore said it was a step in the right direction and showed Indigenous people were starting to be heard when they called out racism.
Her comments come with the revelations Gungahlin Bulls under-19s players were also allegedly racially abused on the same day - believed to be by the same spectators.
Livermore said Harden's LeagueSafe officer also heard the abuse.
Harden didn't return The Canberra Times' calls and it's unclear whether they will appeal the sanctions.
The abuse occurred at a Katrina Fanning Shield game at Harden on July 31, when the home side also played against the Bulls in the under-19s competition.
Statements including "dirty black dogs" were heard until the Harden ground manager asked them to be quiet, but the spectators weren't asked to leave.
A Canberra Region Rugby League disciplinary hearing on Wednesday night upheld sanctions of a $2000 suspended fine as part of a two-year good behaviour bond, as well as the club having to undertake cultural awareness training.
Livermore said stronger sanctions could've been applied under the NRL's code of conduct.
She also felt the Harden club could have issued a formal apology to Boomanulla for the behaviour of their spectators, but she thanked the WorHawks players for their support on the day.
Livermore said many of the Raiders players also felt intimidated by the male spectators and questioned why the sanctions weren't increased after Harden elected to challenge them at a hearing.
"The fact they should've lost competition points, that didn't come into play, and the game against Harden should've been deemed a forfeit - if you look at the Tough Love in League policy that's what happens," she said.
"We would've liked to see something harsher come out of it ... and also a formal apology towards our club."
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But Livermore added there were positives for the Indigenous club, which was first formed as Canberra Koori United in 1979.
She said they could now make an official complaint knowing they would be heard.
"I think this was a big step in the right direction," Livermore said.
"We've had people, not just within our team, but in the junior competitions that have had racism shouted out to them and just them saying this had happened was never enough.
"This is a good step to show if this does happen the CRRL will really take this seriously so hopefully it's just the beginning of something that's going to stamp out racism within our Canberra region."