LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL match review committee has handed down its verdict on the strange tunnel altercation between two players, with both Knights firebrand Jack Hetherington and Reed Mahoney facing charges for their heated exchange in the Accor Stadium tunnel.
Hetherington, known for his fiery on-field presence, is looking at a one-match ban if he admits guilt early.
The incident occurred in the final minutes of the match, with referee Peter Gough sending both players to the sin bin to cool things off after a series of scuffles.
Instead of defusing the situation, things only heated up as Hetherington confronted Mahoney in the tunnel, ready to square off before Bulldogs officials intervened to prevent any further drama.
Hetherington, no stranger to controversy, was slapped with a grade 2 contrary conduct charge for his actions, while Mahoney faces a $1000 fine for a lesser grade 1 charge if he opts for the early guilty plea.
"I have heard some stuff in there," Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo commented post-game, hinting at the tensions simmering beneath the surface.
In a game where emotions run high and rivalries run deep, this altercation serves as a reminder of the intensity and passion that Rugby League players bring to the field.
The dramatic tunnel showdown between Hetherington and Mahoney will no doubt be remembered as a moment of raw emotion and adrenaline in the annals of Rugby League history.