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Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran says there is little doubt Steve Matai will seek retribution when he goes head-to-head with Parramatta prop Mitchell Allgood early next month.
Matai was left seething when bloodied by an Allgood right hook on Monday night, and there appears little chance of the red mist clearing before the two NRL teams lock horns again in round 21 – by which time Allgood would have returned from a two-game ban.
“Oh no, he’ll go looking for him,” Foran said when asked if four weeks was enough for Matai to calm down.
“I can assure you he’ll be looking for revenge but he’ll do it in a smart way.”
Asked what that way would be, Foran offered: “You’ll have to wait and see. I’m sure you’ll find him (Matai) in the middle at some stage of the game.”
Would he like to be in Allgood’s shoes at Parramatta Stadium on August 3?
“No, no I wouldn’t,” Foran said.
Regarded as one of the most aggressive players in the game, Matai had to be restrained by his teammates in the aftermath of the fight and again following the game.
He ran 10 metres to confront Allgood after the Eels prop had unleashed a swinging arm on Sea Eagles utility Jamie Buhrer – Allgood then letting fly with a series of punches before Matai had a chance to get his hands up.
Despite Foran’s incendiary comments, Manly coach Geoff Toovey said he saw no reason for him to talk to the Kiwi international ahead of what is sure to be a fiery encounter.
“Oh no, he knows the rules – he knows the limitations in the game,” Toovey said.
“I’m sure that certain people will beat it up but we’re more interested in winning games than getting revenge or justice.
“Steve will be excited to play them again no doubt but I’m sure he’ll play within the rules.”
The Eels on Wednesday turned down the opportunity to challenge the grading of Allgood’s charge, accepting the two-week ban rather than risking a three-match suspension.
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