North Queensland prop Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has been charged for the hit that led to Sydney Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves threatening to “crack” him.
Waerea-Hargreaves was collected by Taunoa-Brown in the first half of Sunday’s clash, and told him: “I’m happy to crack you ‘G’.”
He then looked at referee Ashley Klein and said: “I’m happy to crack him, bro.”
Taunoa-Brown was penalised, and the match review committee on Monday morning issued him with a grade-one careless high tackle charge. He will be fined $1000 with an early plea.
Waerea-Hargreaves is one of the most intimidating front-rowers in the game, but the 113kg Taunoa-Brown said there were no issues with his heavyweight opponent after the game – and there was “nothing” in the tackle that sparked the exchange.
“I think my forearm slipped up, and he probably wasn’t too happy the big fella, but that’s footy,” Taunoa-Brown said.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves meets the Cowboys defence.Credit: Getty
“Obviously, as a young forward, you look up to that fella. Every time I go up against him, it’s a good challenge. He brings the best out of you, I feel.
“He was fine [after the game]. There was nothing really in it. He is a big scary fella, but I just hold my own.
“I’ve played against him a couple of times and always respect what he has done for the game and look up to him. I know I have to be at my best
“It’s always a test, he has been at the top of the game for a long time. As a young forward, you always want to have good battles against front-rowers, and no one better than him.”
Waerea-Hargreaves tried to inspire the Roosters, who lost 20-6.
A day earlier, Waerea-Hargreaves spoke about his plans to play on one more year at the Roosters, and joked about being regarded as one of league’s most frightening forwards.
“That’s because I’m an ugly bugger – I’m a scary-looking dude,” Waerea-Hargreaves said with a smile.
The Roosters are a chance to drop out of the top eight should they lose on Friday night to premiers Penrith.
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