Penrith prop Jeremy Latimore says there was nothing in the headbutt that could land Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks in hot water with the NRL match review committee.
In a bizarre start to the second half, lead referee Gavin Badger called out both captains and explained he had placed an entire incident just before the break on report.
It was later revealed Brooks had made minor contact with his head on Latimore, but the Panthers’ front-rower said there was no malice in the scuffle.
“I didn’t really think it was a headbutt,” Latimore told AAP.
“He’s done well if he’s got me. He’s a pretty small bloke – he’s like a grasshopper.
“There was nothing in it. I think him and Josh (Mansour) were having a bit of a chat and I just jumped on the back of that.
“I must have got under his skin.”
The incident came at a crucial junction in the match at Leichhardt Oval, after the Tigers had just regained the lead and then almost lost it straight away when Panthers utility Tyrone Peachey came close to scoring against the run of play.
“At that point in the game, they were a bit frustrated with a call upfield,” Latimore said.
“They felt we knocked it on and then Peachey nearly went and scored.
“There was a bit of feeling in the game, the battle of the west, and they’re in a similar point to us in the season.
“I must’ve just got under his skin (because I) tried to get him off his game.
“He must’ve just had enough.”
It was a breakthrough victory for the Panthers, who hadn’t won in six weeks.
However, they face a tough three-week stretch against the past three premiers in South Sydney, the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne.
“Hopefully, going into the game on Friday, it just gives us a real boost. We’ve got a few of the top teams coming up and we’re going to need it,” Latimore said.
curaeus
Guest
A nothing incident. Unworthy of further action. Dropping Badger might however be a good thing. Great look for Rugby League having to restart the game because this clown couldn't get his act together! Not exactly rocket science Badge old mate. You just put the whistle in your gob and blow!
Benedict Arnold
Guest
Could you imagine if latimore popped one on his chin? Brooks would definitely think twice before ever taking on a bloke much bigger than him again.
The Barry
Roar Guru
They can make all the excuses they want but Brooks clearly headbuttted him. It was hardly crime of the century but he should get a week. You can't condone this rubbish. For mine things like this suggests that the biff should be allowed. Not so that Latimore could beat the snot out of Brooks, but to prevent the incident happening at all. It's like learning martial arts. People learn so they won't have to fight. Halfbacks head butting props, wingers threatening forwards is a terrible look for the game and would never happen under the threat of a short, sharp right. Can you imagine Sterling head butting Roach. Langer headbutting Carroll. Etc. Plus there's all the snidey forearms, elbows, leg twists that are creeping back into the game. A quick punch on might actually be the lesser of two evils.