Man-of-the-series Greg Inglis and Justin Hodges launched a scathing attack on NSW backrower Trent Waterhouse and teammate Trent Barrett, describing the incident that floored Queensland prop Steve Price as a “dog act”.
NSW countered by claiming winger David Williams suffered a nasty facial injury after being kicked in the face by Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston in the 33rd minute.
Thurston was charged after the game with making dangerous contact with the head and neck of an opponent using his foot, with the Blues camp concerned Williams had suffered a broken cheekbone.
Price and Brett White were squaring off when Waterhouse blindsided the veteran prop, who was taken from the field on the back of the medicab with his neck in a brace and blood coming from his nose and mouth.
The early medical update suggested he had no pins and needles and was heavily dazed.
“It was one of those dog acts,” said Hodges, furious that some of the NSW players were laughing while Price was being treated.
“If the game had gone a few more minutes there would have been a few more fights for sure.
“He hurt one of our brothers and we wanted to hurt one of theirs as well.
“It got a bit heated and when Pricey got hurt Barrett was laughing at him.”
Hodges said Price looked to be seriously hurt when Waterhouse came in.
“It was serious, the poor guy wasn’t moving and they came up and tried to lift him and jig him around,” Hodges said.
“It’s one of those things you don’t like to see anyone go through if it’s Queensland or New South Wales.
“I think those guys need to have a good look at themselves.
“Barrett was laughing and high-fiving and carrying on like a little kid.”
Inglis, who copped a swinging arm from Barrett in the second game in Sydney, backed Hodge’s claims after the fiery finish to the 28-14 loss, when Waterhouse was sent off for being third man in.
In the dying minutes rival forwards Sam Thaiday and Ben Creagh were sin binned for 10 minutes as the game threatened to erupt.
“It was a pretty cheap shot on Pricey,” said Inglis.
Hodges said Queensland were disappointed they couldn’t give their fans something extra to celebrate with a whitewash.
“We wanted to win 3-0, obviously we haven’t done it as a group and we’re disappointed but happy to have achieved four series’ in a row.
“Hopefully next year we can make it five.”
Blues captain Kurt Gidley, who played after pain killing injections to his rib region, questioned the wild behaviour of the Queenslanders.
“They were pretty fired up but Wolfman (David Williams) is sitting in there (dressing room) with a fully closed eye after a kick to the face and he kept his emotions in check.”
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