Tweet
Roosters star JWH’s ‘sickening hit’ attracts NRL judiciary charge
The Roosters and Rabbitohs have suffered major blows just a week out from the NRL finals with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sam Burgess both facing suspensions.
Nick Walshaw, The Daily Telegraph
Subscriber only
|
September 6, 2019 11:14am
Close
JWH on report
NRL: Jared Warea-Hargreaves is on report for a sickeing hit on Liam Knight.
MORE IN sport
Cheika tight-lipped on Pooper plans
The session that finally cost England the Ashes
Manly fan learns his fate for confronting Chambers
Waerea-Hargreaves was on Friday morning hit with a grade one careless high tackle charge that, despite its low grading, is enough to rule him out of the Roosters’ finals match at the Sydney Cricket Ground next week.
Only a week out from the NRL playoffs, Waerea-Hargreaves was placed on report for what commentators described as a “sickening hit” on South Sydney rival Liam Knight.
The incident, which occurred with six minutes remaining at ANZ Stadium, saw JWH appear to collect Knight in the head with his shoulder as the Bunnies No.10 was already being felled in a tackle.
The Rabbitohs forward was taken from the field after the incident, having also suffered a serious head cut.
Stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial >
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is on report for his hit on Liam Knight. Picture: Getty Images
The charge carries a base penalty of 100 points, which equates to a one-week suspension, but even an early guilty plea won’t be enough to free Waerea-Hargreaves becuase he has carryover points from three prior non-similar offences in the past two years.
Burgess, meanwhile, was hit with a grade one contrary conduct charge for his hit on Souths’ Billy Smith.
His poor disciplinary record — three charges in the past two years — will also count against him, meaning he won’t be able to escape a ban with an early guilty plea.
Given neither Waerea-Hargreaves or Burgess will risk anymore than a week by challenging their bans and losing, the spotlight will go on the NRL judiciary next week with two of the biggest stars of the finals battling to play in the first week of the post-season.
Fox Sports analyst Matthew Johns described the Waerea-Hargreaves tackle as a “sickening hit”, while fellow panellist Gorden Tallis suggested the Roosters prop would have a case to answer “because he’s … got him in the head and the guy’s had to leave the field”.
Sam Burgess could miss the Rabbitohs’ opening NRL finals match. Picture: Getty Images
The ban comes as a shock to the Roosters after skipper Boyd Cordner has backed Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to escape punishment for the controversial tackle, saying: “I don’t think he should have anything to worry about”.
Cordner insists his star bookend had no option but to stand his ground, and brace, as the Souths No.10 fell towards his knees.
The NSW Origin star added that Knight also likely cut his head in a clash with Roosters interchange forward Lindsay Collins, not the contact from JWH.
Asked if he was worried about what may now come of the tackle, Cordner said: “I don’t think (the tackle) is too worrying.
“The worrying thing was Liam Knight being injured. That’s where my worry was.
“He went off the field and I’m hoping he is OK.
“But looking back on it, I think he (Knight) split his head on Lindsay’s head maybe.”
Rabbitohs prop Liam Knight was forced from the field. Picture: Phil Hillyard
And the tackle itself?
“There was no swinging arm from Jared,” Cordner continued.
“There was no shoulder charge.
“He didn’t brace for a shoulder charge, there was separation there.
“So although it’s not nice, I don’t see it being a big issue.
“I saw it on the big screen straight away and said there is no swinging arm, (Knight) fell into him. And Jared needs to brace there anyway because (Knight) is coming at his knees.
“So he needs to stand his ground, have his body in front of him.
“It’s just unfortunate that they made contact and Liam Knight was in the state he was.
“But, honestly, I don’t think Jared should have anything to worry about moving forward.”
Results
Should Jared Waerea-Hargreaves be suspended for his hit on Liam Knight?
Yes
48%
No
52%
708 Voters
Asked about the tackle Roosters coach Trent Robinson added: “I don’t know what Jaz could’ve done.
“He couldn’t take his arm off. It wasn’t clenched and it wasn’t there.
“But they are penalties. You can’t hit the head, I understand that.
“It’s a penalty without a doubt and I understand why he’s on report. They need to say someone else look at it. It’s one of those things that happen in a footy game. It happened a lot in the second half.”
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves embraces Liam Knight after the match. Picture: Getty Images
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett was less convinced.
“Something knocked him (Knight) out and something has left him with a pretty good gash over his eye,” Bennett said.
“What was involved I’m not totally sure. I wasn’t looking too hard at the time as it wasn’t something I could control.”
Undoubtedly, Waerea-Hargreaves is an integral part of a Roosters side chasing back-to-back premierships.
“He’s one of our leaders,” Cordner agreed.
“An experienced front-rower, tough, he gets our sets started.
“He is a massive part of this team.”
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Roosters is tackled during the round 25 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on September 05, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
While the Roosters were beaten by South Sydney 16-10, several key players are expected back for week one of the finals including star No.6 Luke Keary, prop Siosiua Taukeiaho, utility Mitch Aubusson and winger Brett Morris.
English import Ryan Hall (knee) is also a chance along with hooker Jake Friend (broken forearm).
“We needed to be more steely,” Cordner said of the match itself.
LISTEN! Matty Johns and Paul Kent are joined by Balmain champion Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach, talking up the big eighth place battle at Leichhardt Oval Sunday, look at some of Manly’s best ever hit men and the time Kenty got completely jammed by Mark Geyer.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, on Spotify or Google Podcasts.
“Although we had second spot wrapped up, we wanted to win and play some good footy.
“And in the first half, we did.
“But I thought the second half was stop-start. No side really gained momentum.
“Then there was just a lapse in concentration by us for about five, 10 minutes. A few crucial errors that led to tries.
“But we take out our lessons and narrow our focus.
“It’s not all doom and gloom.
“This team has been playing some really good footy over the past month and even again tonight, we’ll take our lessons and move on.”
The Roosters and Rabbitohs have suffered major blows just a week out from the NRL finals with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sam Burgess both facing suspensions.
Nick Walshaw, The Daily Telegraph
Subscriber only
|
September 6, 2019 11:14am
Close
JWH on report
NRL: Jared Warea-Hargreaves is on report for a sickeing hit on Liam Knight.
MORE IN sport
Cheika tight-lipped on Pooper plans The session that finally cost England the Ashes Manly fan learns his fate for confronting Chambers- Sport Con: Sea Eagles set to swoop for Warriors star
- Cleary’s Panthers clean-out claims another casualty
Waerea-Hargreaves was on Friday morning hit with a grade one careless high tackle charge that, despite its low grading, is enough to rule him out of the Roosters’ finals match at the Sydney Cricket Ground next week.
Only a week out from the NRL playoffs, Waerea-Hargreaves was placed on report for what commentators described as a “sickening hit” on South Sydney rival Liam Knight.
The incident, which occurred with six minutes remaining at ANZ Stadium, saw JWH appear to collect Knight in the head with his shoulder as the Bunnies No.10 was already being felled in a tackle.
The Rabbitohs forward was taken from the field after the incident, having also suffered a serious head cut.
Stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial >
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is on report for his hit on Liam Knight. Picture: Getty Images
The charge carries a base penalty of 100 points, which equates to a one-week suspension, but even an early guilty plea won’t be enough to free Waerea-Hargreaves becuase he has carryover points from three prior non-similar offences in the past two years.
Burgess, meanwhile, was hit with a grade one contrary conduct charge for his hit on Souths’ Billy Smith.
FROM OUR PARTNERS 
Every Australian game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup LIVE Find out more
His poor disciplinary record — three charges in the past two years — will also count against him, meaning he won’t be able to escape a ban with an early guilty plea.
Given neither Waerea-Hargreaves or Burgess will risk anymore than a week by challenging their bans and losing, the spotlight will go on the NRL judiciary next week with two of the biggest stars of the finals battling to play in the first week of the post-season.
Fox Sports analyst Matthew Johns described the Waerea-Hargreaves tackle as a “sickening hit”, while fellow panellist Gorden Tallis suggested the Roosters prop would have a case to answer “because he’s … got him in the head and the guy’s had to leave the field”.
Sam Burgess could miss the Rabbitohs’ opening NRL finals match. Picture: Getty Images
The ban comes as a shock to the Roosters after skipper Boyd Cordner has backed Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to escape punishment for the controversial tackle, saying: “I don’t think he should have anything to worry about”.
Cordner insists his star bookend had no option but to stand his ground, and brace, as the Souths No.10 fell towards his knees.
The NSW Origin star added that Knight also likely cut his head in a clash with Roosters interchange forward Lindsay Collins, not the contact from JWH.
Asked if he was worried about what may now come of the tackle, Cordner said: “I don’t think (the tackle) is too worrying.
“The worrying thing was Liam Knight being injured. That’s where my worry was.
“He went off the field and I’m hoping he is OK.
“But looking back on it, I think he (Knight) split his head on Lindsay’s head maybe.”
Rabbitohs prop Liam Knight was forced from the field. Picture: Phil Hillyard
And the tackle itself?
“There was no swinging arm from Jared,” Cordner continued.
“There was no shoulder charge.
“He didn’t brace for a shoulder charge, there was separation there.
“So although it’s not nice, I don’t see it being a big issue.
“I saw it on the big screen straight away and said there is no swinging arm, (Knight) fell into him. And Jared needs to brace there anyway because (Knight) is coming at his knees.
“So he needs to stand his ground, have his body in front of him.
“It’s just unfortunate that they made contact and Liam Knight was in the state he was.
“But, honestly, I don’t think Jared should have anything to worry about moving forward.”
Results
Should Jared Waerea-Hargreaves be suspended for his hit on Liam Knight?
Yes
48%
No
52%
708 Voters
Asked about the tackle Roosters coach Trent Robinson added: “I don’t know what Jaz could’ve done.
“He couldn’t take his arm off. It wasn’t clenched and it wasn’t there.
“But they are penalties. You can’t hit the head, I understand that.
“It’s a penalty without a doubt and I understand why he’s on report. They need to say someone else look at it. It’s one of those things that happen in a footy game. It happened a lot in the second half.”
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves embraces Liam Knight after the match. Picture: Getty Images
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett was less convinced.
“Something knocked him (Knight) out and something has left him with a pretty good gash over his eye,” Bennett said.
“What was involved I’m not totally sure. I wasn’t looking too hard at the time as it wasn’t something I could control.”
Undoubtedly, Waerea-Hargreaves is an integral part of a Roosters side chasing back-to-back premierships.
“He’s one of our leaders,” Cordner agreed.
“An experienced front-rower, tough, he gets our sets started.
“He is a massive part of this team.”
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Roosters is tackled during the round 25 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on September 05, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
While the Roosters were beaten by South Sydney 16-10, several key players are expected back for week one of the finals including star No.6 Luke Keary, prop Siosiua Taukeiaho, utility Mitch Aubusson and winger Brett Morris.
English import Ryan Hall (knee) is also a chance along with hooker Jake Friend (broken forearm).
“We needed to be more steely,” Cordner said of the match itself.
LISTEN! Matty Johns and Paul Kent are joined by Balmain champion Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach, talking up the big eighth place battle at Leichhardt Oval Sunday, look at some of Manly’s best ever hit men and the time Kenty got completely jammed by Mark Geyer.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, on Spotify or Google Podcasts.
“Although we had second spot wrapped up, we wanted to win and play some good footy.
“And in the first half, we did.
“But I thought the second half was stop-start. No side really gained momentum.
“Then there was just a lapse in concentration by us for about five, 10 minutes. A few crucial errors that led to tries.
“But we take out our lessons and narrow our focus.
“It’s not all doom and gloom.
“This team has been playing some really good footy over the past month and even again tonight, we’ll take our lessons and move on.”