State of Origin coaches Brad Fittler and Wayne Bennett have clashed over Queensland forward Jai Arrow's actions during the Wednesday's series decider, perย Fox Sports.
Arrow coped a lot of criticism on social media and from NRL legends for pushing NSW fullback James Tedesco into the turf after he had lost the ball in a tackle.
Tedesco had been knocked out by the knee of Josh Papalii, with Arrow failing to realise until after his actions.
The footage angered many people, adding fuel to the fire when Tedesco had to be helped off the field and did not return.
Blues coach Fittler lashed out at Arrow following the defeat.
โ(Arrow showed) a lot of lack of respect, but he will learn from that,โ Fittler said.
NSW hooker Damien Cook didnโt see the incident but suspects Bennett may give Arrow a word after the match.
โI know for a fact if itโs what they are saying, Wayne wonโt be happy because itโs a duty of care, and Wayne is big on that,โ Cook said.
Bennett on the other hand was not concerned by Arrowโs conduct, saying post-match the incident โwas an instinct.โ
โIt happened so close and (Arrow) didnโt realise (Tedesco was knocked out). As soon as he realised what he had done he stayed there (with Tedesco), he didnโt run away.โ Bennett told media.
โIt happens that quickly out there and he just didnโt know what happened.โ
Arrows showed genuine concern in his reaction and quickly called for assistance and continued to check on the Roosters fullback.
Bennett was made aware of Fittlerโs comments and didn't agree with the slander of Arrow.
โBrad is kidding himself, there was no lack of respect. Watch it again,โ Bennett said.
In fairness to Jai Arrow, once he realised Teddy was out cold he called for help, still picking him up and slamming him down, thereโs no need to that in our game
— Keith Galloway (@kgalloway85) November 18, 2020
โArrow was stupid to push him like that!โ@GibsMoore responding to the HUGE moment that ended James Tedesco's night for @NSWBlues.#Origin
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) November 18, 2020
What a crock.
If this had happened to a Queensland player old skeletor would have been baying for blood.
No wonder the old fool looked happy and relaxed after they got flogged in game 2. He new the fix was on for game 3.
If Sutton wasn’t in charge of all 3 games it would have been a blues white wash.
Bennett would be up in arms, rightfully so, if the Blues acted that way.
I know stuff happens in league which is an accident, but really they should think about penalising players for being ridiculously clumsy at the cost of the oppositions health. Papalli should never have put himself in the position smash tedesco in the face with his knee like that. I mean what exactly was he trying to do there!! His stupidity cost the opposition a player with absolutely no impact to themselves. It should totally be at the refs discretion at least to allow a reserve substitution in an instance like that where the damage is done by the opposition. If nothing else it was knees in the tackle AND high contact. Not sure why he got away with it, but once again the game shows it lacks genuine sophistication. Image how many high shots or dangerous collisions there would be if the opposition got an automatic substitution!