Canberra Raiders Cheerleaders - The Raiderettes. Source: Supplied
A DAY after Canterbury demoted their cheerleaders, the Canberra Raiders are poised to sack their cheer squad altogether.
In an historic move, Raiders chief executive Don Furner told The Daily Telegraph that his club was "reviewing the club's game-day entertainment.''
"We have always had them but research among our fans indicates it might be time for a change,'' Furner said. "It's not definite but we are reviewing our game day entertainment.''
Furner denied the move was based around any female exploitation.
"There are a couple of reasons,'' he said. "One, it is quite cold and a big ask for the woman, particularly during night games. And, two, cost. This decision has nothing to do with the Bulldogs.''
Canberra's stance comes as Canterbury's cheerleaders had a simple message for Bulldogs management: Just let us dance.
Support for The Belles was growing yesterday after the club abandoned their pre-game and half-time routines to focus on off-field work as Bulldogs ambassadors.
Bulldogs cheerleaders at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited
An online petition calling for the cheerleaders' reinstatement to the sidelines has attracted nearly 550 signatures over the past three days.
The cheerleaders were reluctant to talk with The Daily Telegraph yesterday for fears of being chastised by Canterbury management.
One did say though: "We are happy to do what the club wants and even change our uniforms. "But all we want to do is dance on the sidelines before the match and at half-time.''
Petition founder Rachel Lawson, who was in contact with the women throughout yesterday, had a message for Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle.
Canterbury cheerleader Caterina. Source: Supplied
"They are professional dancers who practice six days a week - they just want to dance on the sidelines,'' Lawson said.
"They have been part of the club since day one. On game day they arrive at the ground a couple of hours early to practice. They are there before the players.
"This is a family club and lot of them have been here for six, seven, eight years. It just wouldn't be a home game without them.
"They're not just cheerleaders. They are great with kids, have photos taken, sign autographs and do charity work with Camp Quality and the Children's Hospital.''
Canterbury's cheerleaders will now be managed internally in an "ambassadorial role.'' They will have new contemporary outfits, which are yet to be made.
The online Twitter petition, called Save The Belles, stated: "We ask that you reconsider your decision and welcome our Belles back to the sidelines in 2014.
"Please restore our pride. Embrace our excellence. Save our tradition. All Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs players, staff, cheerleaders and fans are one family.''
A Bulldogs cheerleader at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited
Castle and Lawson are due to meet today to discuss the drama. Reaction online was mixed.
One blogger wrote: "Put a woman in charge (Castle) and there is almost always change for the better.''
Another disagreed, saying: "Great to see Castle hitting the big issues.''
Other clubs contacted by The Daily Telegraph had no plans to end cheerleading.
"We had auditions on the weekend,'' said Sharks CEO Steve Noyce.
Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer added: "We believe our cheer squad should have a greater role on game day including on-field entertainment, corporate engagement and fan engagement.''
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