Tongan-heritage Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi found himself at the centre of a fiery confrontation with Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu during South Sydneyâs commanding 50â20 victory on Friday night.
The incident unfolded in the 24th minute after the Roosters were awarded a six-again following a ruck infringement involving Koloamatangi.
Instead of immediately playing the ball, Leniu became locked in a tense stare-off with Koloamatangi as the pair exchanged words.
Referee Adam Gee reportedly instructed Leniu six times to play the ball, but the Roosters forward continued focusing on his confrontation with Koloamatangi.
Even after players from both teams separated the pair, Leniu threw the ball away and was penalised.
The incident proved costly for the Roosters, who were already severely undermanned after resting nine players for the match.
Commentators Slam Leniuâs Conduct
Premiership-winning Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk described Leniuâs conduct as âstupidâ, while former Panthers star Greg Alexander said the prop had âcompletely lost his headâ.
Fox League commentator Michael Ennis said Leniu had been expected to assume greater leadership responsibility because of the absence of several senior Roosters players.
Leniu was substituted shortly after the confrontation and did not return to the field.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson rejected suggestions that the substitution was intended as punishment, saying it formed part of the clubâs wider strategy to give its younger forwards more playing time.
Robinson acknowledged that Leniu had crossed the line but defended the passion and aggression he brings to the team.
âHe went over it. I want him to play with his natural spirit and just stay under the line,â Robinson said.
The coach said Leniu had enough experience to control himself, play the ball and ensure that his aggression benefited his team.
Koloamatangi, meanwhile, remained composed as Leniuâs reaction attracted criticism from commentators and contributed to the Roosters conceding a penalty.
The Rabbitohs went on to secure an emphatic 50â20 victory over their traditional rivals.
Source: Fox Sports
