LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a fiery match between the Roosters and the Panthers, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves found himself in hot water after a dangerous hit on Api Koroisau.
The incident occurred late and high, resulting in Waerea-Hargreaves being sin-binned for 10 minutes.
However, it was his subsequent head-butt on Stefano Utoikamanu that really raised eyebrows.
Despite the officials missing the head-butt, Benji Marshall was quick to criticize his former New Zealand teammate.
Marshall, who now coaches the Wests Tigers, stated that Waerea-Hargreaves had "crossed the line" with his actions and was fortunate to only receive a sin-bin punishment.
Marshall's sentiments were echoed by many in the rugby league community, who believed that the Roosters forward should have been sent off altogether.
The incident has reignited debates about player safety and the need for stricter penalties for dangerous play.
Unfortunately for the Roosters, the repercussions of Waerea-Hargreaves' actions extend beyond the match itself.
With a six-week ban imposed on him, the forward will be unavailable for selection in the crucial upcoming clash against the Rabbitohs.
Additionally, there are concerns about the fitness of Joey Manu, who suffered a hamstring injury during the same game.
The absence of these key players could potentially impact the Roosters' chances of securing a spot in the finals.
However, the team remains determined to overcome these setbacks and continue their pursuit of success in the competition.
As for Waerea-Hargreaves, he will have plenty of time to reflect on his actions during his suspension.
It remains to be seen how this incident will impact his reputation and future in the sport.
In the aftermath of the match, both teams and their supporters are left with mixed emotions.
While the Roosters celebrated a much-needed victory, the overshadowing controversy surrounding Waerea-Hargreaves' conduct has left a bitter taste in their mouths.
With only one round left in the regular season, the Roosters will need to regroup and refocus in order to secure their place in the finals.
The absence of key players due to suspension and injury will undoubtedly pose a challenge, but the team is determined to overcome adversity and prove their resilience on the field.