LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The incident involving Melbourne Storm back in the spotlight as Corey Parker speaks out on Eels prank
In a recent turn of events, NRL great Corey Parker has raised concerns about the actions of Joe Ofahengaue after he 'dacked' new teammate Zac Lomax in front of reporter Eloise Sohier over the weekend.
Lomax, who was taking a break during the Eels' trial match, engaged in a sideline interview with Fox League reporter Sohier, discussing his pre-season with Parramatta.
As this unfolded, Ofahengaue sneaked up behind Lomax and proceeded to pull down his pants on live television.
Thankfully, Lomax was wearing underwear and avoided any embarrassment, but the interview came to an abrupt end.
The prank, witnessed by several children in the crowd and Sohier, was deemed inappropriate given the circumstances.
This isn't the first instance of someone being 'dacked' during an NRL broadcast, with Melbourne Storm players Cameron Munster and Harry Grant pulling a similar stunt on a Rabbitohs trainer in 2023.
However, the act against Lomax, especially in front of a female reporter during a live TV interview, sparked immediate outrage.
The Parramatta Eels took action, instructing Ofahengaue to apologize to Sohier post-game.
While the situation may have been resolved without repercussions for Ofahengaue, NRL and Broncos legend Parker expressed his disapproval of the incident.
Addressing the issue on Monday morning, Parker emphasized the need for players to be mindful of their actions, especially with families tuning in to every NRL match.
In the world of Rugby League, where camaraderie and sportsmanship are valued, such pranks can tarnish the image of the game and the professionalism expected from its players.
Moving forward, it is essential for individuals in the league to uphold the standards of respect and integrity both on and off the field.