Former Queensland State of Origin forward Owen Cunningham has spoken out about the disgraceful crowd behaviour at the NRL Magic Round after he was caught up in the violent incident on the opening night at Suncorp Stadium.
The former Manly, Cowboys and Maroons forward said he had “never seen anything like it” when he and his family were attacked by a group of thugs who had been making derogatory comments about the girlfriend of Cunningham’s son, Ethan.
The 55-year-old back-rower, who played 275 matches in the top grade from 1985-2000, told News Corp he was unable to defend himself when the brawl broke out as he had his arm in a sling due to recent shoulder surgery.
“There were about eight of them … it was a f—in’ disgrace,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It was like they were there for a stink, not the football.
“My oldest boy Ethan was sitting with his girlfriend and they were making some derogatory comments towards her.
“Then it started and my bloke got kinged (king hit) between the eyes. It was shocking.”
Cunningham said his other son and a friend of the brothers rushed in to help Ethan.
He said if they hadn’t done so he “could have finished up in a coma”.
“It was frightening with their blokes coming down two sets of seats to get involved.”
Owen Cunningham. Photo: Adam Pretty/ALLSPORT
Cunningham said his son was rushed to hospital where scans revealed he had a broken sinus bone.
The violence, which occured in the northern end of the western stand at Suncorp, was filmed by bystanders and went on for a couple of minutes before security guards and police officers were able to bring it to an end.
Three of the brawlers were ejected and Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan has called for the people involved to be handed life bans.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
No. Just a guy whose mate got punched in the back of the head when he wasn't looking. 56 if it's of any consequence
Bonza
Roar Rookie
a stint in the clink wouldn't hurt either
Bonza
Roar Rookie
Geez you'd think security/police would've been beefed up after recent on-field antics. What do they do other than puncture beach balls thrown around at the cricket? You'd like to think some of those grubs can be charged and see how they go in Silverwater or the Bay for a stint.
Tony
Roar Guru
:crying:
Eric
Guest
Sorry Tones I forgot about you!
Tony
Roar Guru
I take exception to that Eric
Greysy
Roar Rookie
Shouldn't just ban them for life, name and shame them publicly too. You want to behave like this, everyone you know should know it and if that has consequences, well...
Aiden
Guest
Reeled in? Ha! It’s a shame this is how you get your jollies instead of things like pleasuring your partner.
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
I think Nats at the Caxton, but nice to chat :thumbup: have a good night, have you ever thought that maybe I’ve caught you?
Phil
Roar Rookie
Perthstayer, a king hit is a king hit and always will be no matter what modern terminological spin is put on it. Maybe some academic came up with the soft sounding term "coward punch" but it will never, ever replace the king hit. You are obviously a youngster to be taken by it.
Gyfox
Roar Rookie
There is a distinct lack of women at NRL games, as shown by that video
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
I'm all for banter, joking around and fishing for bites. But not for topics like this Eric. Like comedian Milton Berle once said, you have to pick your spots. You see, most people reading those comments won't realise that you are an id.iot in desperate need of attention. They might think you actually condone violence when in truth you clearly run from it screaming. You are the ultimate keyboard warrior mate. You are only brave hiding behind anonymity.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
There is no such thing as a king hit. It is a coward's punch. Perth guy got 2 years recently for it.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Eric you sound like the sort of bloke who would be too scared to king hit Tyrion Lannister from behind at night.
Eric
Guest
no one in particular, if only they could be as a tough as those Neanderthals throwing kinghit dogshots from behind.. you can't get tougher than that
Eric
Guest
We just need Nat here and I've reeled in the lot of you. He's usually the first
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Ah Eric, you're the gift you re-gift
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
give Owen Cunningham their home address so he can visit them for a "chat" after his shoulder has healed (hope it isn't his punching arm)
Redcap
Roar Guru
Yes, that could be a long list. :unhappy:
Redcap
Roar Guru
I think not, GB. Eric (and his other pseudonyms) has plenty of form.