Top Naija News – Nigeria News, Nigerian News & Top Stories Top Naija News – Nigerian Newspapers, Nigerian News. topnaijanews is a daily Nigerian newspaper covering Latest News, Breaking News, Entertainment, Sports, Lifestyle and Politics.
By
Yet another slapping controversy erupted as the Panthers trumped the Storm on Friday night with Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai accusing an opponent of slapping him in the head.
Luai, who had already been reported for a separate incident in which he collected Nelson Asofa-Solomona high, was in the thick of a scuffle after combining with Stephen Crichton and Sunia Turuva to gang-tackle Storm centre Marion Seve into touch in the BlueBet Stadium clash, which Penrith eventually won 26-6.
After the second-half melee ended, an infuriated Luai was heard making a slapping accusation to referee Adam Gee.
READ MORE: Sacked NRL coach snubs big-money move to join rival
READ MORE: World Cup coach faces sexual misconduct complaint
READ MORE: Lyon leaves Sydney in BBL signing stunner
“I got slapped in the head,” he repeated twice.
Panthers teammate Scott Sorensen could be heard saying “oi, oi, relax” in an attempted to cool Luai down.
“It’s your ball. Don’t run the risk of anything else,” he said.
“Yeah oath it’s our ball,” Luai shot back.
The accusation came on the same night Warriors forward Marata Niukore was sin-binned for slapping Titans superstar David Fifita.
Knights firebrand Jack Hetherington has also been sin-binned twice for slapping this season.
Luai had a night to remember for his side, scoring a try in the win, while Brian To’o crossed for a double and Crichton also went over.
The Panthers again showed how strong their defence is, and have only conceded 242 points for the season. Next best is Brisbane with 351.
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
They do have some concerns out of the match with Dylan Edwards and To’o visibly struggling with injuries.
Luai was reported after his right shoulder made contact with Asofa-Solomona’s head early in the second half.
Luai reported for high shot on Nelson
Penrith Ivan Cleary was unsure how it would go down.
“I’ve only seen the one angle. I’m not too sure. It’s a little fly against a big giant. I dunno. We’ll just wait and see,” he said.
Melbourne forward Josh King was also put on report in the first half.
Next week Penrith will play Manly on Thursday while Melbourne will meet Canberra on Saturday.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
