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A tackle on Latu Fainu that NRL lawyers say could have resulted in Leo Thompson “breaking his neck” was the third time in the last two seasons that the Wests Tigers playmaker has put an opposing player in a dangerous position.
Fainu was given a three-match ban after being found guilty of dangerous contact with the judicial system on Tuesday night after attacking Thompson and turning the Canterbury prop upside down in a vulnerable position.
Tackle by Latu Fainu against Leo Thompson.NRL
While some commentators have questioned what Fine has done wrong, Tigers coach Benji Marshall admitted on Thursday the club will have to work on the midfielder’s tackling technique as his suspension now clears the way for new signing Javon Andrews to make his debut on Saturday in what is sure to be a tight contest against Canberra.
Although Fain received public support for his tackle, the 21-year-old was fined for an identical tackle on New Zealand Warriors player Mitch Barnett in round four last year. The tackle, which was a penalty at the time, led to a melee and the NRL later issued a red flag notice to Fine.
Then, against Canberra in Matchday 26 last season, Fainu went down again and left Raiders center Simi Sasagi clutching his knee. Sisagi stood up and Fainu was not punished, but he was served a second notice of action.
The referee could be heard telling angry Raiders players that the tackle was not a “cannonball.”
Andrew Jones said on Nine’s Sunday Football Show on Fainu’s tackle on Thompson: “He didn’t do anything wrong, the tackle was low. You can’t take accidents out of the game… it’s not even a penalty.”
“You can’t hit them high because you’re pulling them up… and you can’t go low? Where should you hit them?”
Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh was more precise when he said: Sunday Evening with Matty Jones: “This is nonsense, this is a joke.”
Panelists Tony Puletua and Paul Simpkins were satisfied that the tackle on Fainu was dangerous and careless and that he “had every opportunity to attempt a normal tackle but chose not to do so; “As a result, player Thompson was at significant risk of injury.”
The vacancy created by Fain’s suspension means 19-year-old Andrews is expected to make his NRL debut after impressing in the NSW Cup.
The last time the Tigers and Canberra met, Tigers fans made fun of the Vikings’ cheer and started a disgusting “f— Canberra” chant, while Suniya Turuwa and Tom Starling had to be separated after full-time and the drama was captured on television.
At the time, the Snitch’s sled was reported to have sparked a melee, apparently due to Starling’s lengthy legal battle with police following the incident on the Central Coast.
Starling was charged with assaulting police in late 2020, but the charges were dropped and two police officers are now charged with assaulting Starling. The couple have pleaded not guilty and the case is pending in court.
Tom Starling and Suniya Turuwa clashed after full-time the last time Wests Tigers and Canberra played.NRL
Tigers prop Fonua Pole expected a frosty reception on and off the field at the GIO Stadium and was reminded of the utter drama last time out.
“But I don’t think any of it is negative, it’s part of the game, you show passion, you go on the field to win, the guys on the other team are your rivals while you’re on the field, but once you get off the field everyone respects each other,” Pole said.
“(As far as Canberra fans are concerned) that’s the game and if you give it, you have to take it. Hopefully we’re not on the other side of that. If we win and play well, they won’t get it.”
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