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Jarome Luai has called out Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves after his late rampage saw two Panthers go off concussed before a brawl that ended with Spencer Leniu joining future teammate Jared in the sin bin.
Liam Martin’s head knock came from an accidental collision with Waerea-Hargreaves’ hip, but the Match Review Committee will likely have a long look at the incident that ended Moses Leota’s night.
The Panthers prop was caught in the head by his Kiwis teammates’ non-ball-carrying elbow, with many calling it deliberate.
Moments later, Waerea-Hargreaves sparked a bral by throwing a water bottle at Leniu, who was seen to be offering him out into the car park, eyes bulging, before being dragged away by teammates.
According to Luai, it was chat from Jared after the Leota incident that riled up the Panthers.
“He had a fair bit to say, especially after the elbow, which ticked us all off,” said the five eighth. “I think that was just the build up of a bit of frustration.
“I understand that what happens on the field stays on the field but there’s got to be a line in the sand. We’ve had enough of him.
“Spenny’s going there next year so it might be a bit awkward. That’s footy man, it’s the heat of the battle and what happens on the field stays on the field.”
Trent Robinson responded by describing the incident as ‘good for footy’
“It was great for footy, wasn’t it?” said the Roosters boss. “That’s why people enjoy watching footy.
“There was nothing in it from either end. It heated there. I don’t think Jared did anything wrong. Guys run out of the line and try and belt him.”
Naturally, Ivan Cleary did not see it the same way.
“It started from Jared,” said the Panthers coach. “He was just looking for trouble, that was obvious. And he found it.
“There was numerous incidents. On the balance of probabilities, Jared was the one initiating it.
“I don’t think many frontrowers like what happened. It was a little condescending, I thought. It was unnecessary. Spence didn’t like it and that’s what he showed. I thought he was unfortunate, I’m not sure why he was put in the bin.”
Opinions were split on whether the Leota incident was accidental, with again, the coaches unable to agree.
“It’s really unfortunate for Liam that he copped a hip,” said Robinson. “And then Jared was getting his bumpers up in every tackle that they run into and copped Moses there. That’s a forwards battle. And then it flared up. Good theatre, move on.”
Ivan saw it differently.
“If I’m truthful, I did,” he replied when asked if he saw it differently to the referee, who gave no penalty.
“It was very questionable. The way he looked, the way he saw him, the way it was cocked.”
Lenui is unlikely to receive any charge for his part in the brawl, and might well benefit from publically losing his rag when Brad Fittler makes his call on a new bench enforcer for the NSW team.
Luai backed his Samoan international teammate in for an Origin spot.
“I know Spenny, he’s a smart footballer,” he said.
“I know he’s a front-rower but he’s got some brains in that head! He’s got that fireball energy and when he’s out there he can change the momentum of the game.
“He’s been doing this consistently this year and if he’s handed that opportunity he’s going to relish it in that arena. He’s built for it.
“Watch out man, he’s a fireball. That’s what we call him, fireball.”