LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The clash between the Roosters and Manly in the NRL had fans on the edge of their seats for all the wrong reasons.
The opening moments saw Jared Waerea-Hargreaves charging into the Manly line like a bull in a china shop, leaving Tolu Koula concussed and out of the game.
It was a brutal collision that set the tone for the rest of the match.
Waerea-Hargreaves, fresh off a four-game suspension for a high tackle, wasted no time getting back into the thick of things.
His aggressive play sparked outrage among fans, who questioned the integrity of the game with such ugly scenes unfolding on the field.
As if that wasn't enough, Jake Trbojevic's return to the field after a head injury assessment was deemed 'laughable' by spectators.
It was a decision that left Manly fans shaking their heads in disbelief, as Trbojevic clearly looked worse for wear after his collision.
In the end, the Roosters emerged victorious, but the controversy surrounding the opening moments of the game lingered.
It was a reminder of the brutal nature of Rugby League, where anything can happen on the field and tempers flare like fireworks on Australia Day.
With tensions running high, it was a game that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.