Roosters Stars Copping Fines After Heated Clash With South Sydney
The Sydney Roosters have been hit with a collective $4,000 in fines following their hard-fought victory over fierce rivals South Sydney. The penalties were dished out after two key players, Lindsay Collins and Siua Wong, were placed on report during an electrifying start to the match.
The drama unfolded within the space of just two tackles, setting a fiery tone for the encounter. As the Rabbitohs attempted to break free from their own territory, Lindsay Collins delivered a thunderous hit on Campbell Graham. While the tackle was initially deemed legal on the field by the referee, the match review committee has since reviewed the incident, leading to a charge against Collins.
Almost immediately after, in the very next tackle, Siua Wong launched himself out of the defensive line to confront Jack Wighton as he carried the ball. This aggressive defensive play also resulted in Wong being placed on report. The intensity of these early exchanges saw tensions flare between both teams, with a penalty awarded to the Roosters.
Commentators on Nine’s coverage of the match noted the similarity in the nature of the tackles. Billy Slater observed that the initial call on Lindsay Collins’ hit allowed for some leeway, suggesting there wasn’t a clear wrapping motion. He then pointed out that Siua Wong’s charge out of the line was remarkably similar to Collins’ contact.
Andrew Johns expressed surprise that Siua Wong wasn’t sent off immediately, stating he was fortunate to have only been placed on report. Johns remarked that Wong was lucky to have avoided making head contact, which could have easily resulted in an early send-off. Slater concurred with Johns’ assessment, initially believing Wong might receive a penalty at worst, and was relieved that head contact was avoided. He ultimately predicted a fine, which proved to be accurate.
Fines Issued for Dangerous Play
Both Siua Wong and Lindsay Collins were ultimately fined $1,500 each for a grade one shoulder charge. This ruling reflects the judiciary’s view on the nature of their defensive efforts, which, while aggressive, were deemed to fall foul of the game’s rules.
The disciplinary actions didn’t end there. In the second half of the match, David Fifita was also in the judiciary’s crosshairs. Fifita was penalised for a high tackle on Roosters centre Robert Toia, who remained on the ground for a period following the contact.
Andrew Johns described the tackle as a “really tough one,” particularly considering Fifita’s imposing physique. He drew a comparison to a previous tackle involving Chanel Harris-Tavita, who was knocked out after attempting a low tackle in a preceding game.
Despite Fifita’s attempts to argue that the contact was to the chest, he was placed on report. The judiciary subsequently fined him $1,000 for a grade one careless high tackle. This highlights the NRL’s ongoing commitment to player safety and the strict penalties for any contact deemed dangerous, especially to the head and neck area.
The fines underscore the physical nature of the NRL and the scrutiny players face, even during moments of intense on-field action. While the Roosters secured the victory, the disciplinary consequences serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining control and adhering to the rules of the game.
