LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Jarome Luai and Zac Lomax received fines instead of suspensions for their actions during State of Origin 2, highlighting a loophole in the NRL's disciplinary system.
During NSW's 26-24 loss to Queensland, both players were put on report for unsporting behavior.
Luai controversially grabbed the face of Queensland's Reuben Cotter, closely resembling an eye-gouge, while Lomax elbowed Trent Loiero in the head after a tackle.
Luai was cleared of the eye-gouge by the NRL match review committee but faced a grade-two contrary conduct charge for "unnecessary contact with an opponent's face," resulting in a $3,900 fine.
Lomax received a grade-one dangerous contact charge and was fined $21,000.
The unique aspect of the NRL's punishment system is that incidents in State of Origin carry lighter sanctions compared to regular NRL games.
For instance, if Luai's incident had occurred during a standard match, he could have faced suspension rather than just a fine.
This policy aims to prevent clubs from being adversely affected by players' actions in representative games and avoids suspensions for less serious incidents prior to finals matches.
Luai's fine amounted to 13% of his $30,000 match payment, while Lomax's fine represented 7% of his payment.
The controversy surrounding Luai overshadowed his return to the Origin arena, particularly after Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga made a gesture to sideline officials, indicating the seriousness of Luai's actions.