A New Perspective on a Controversial Tackle
Eels winger Bailey Simonsson has expressed that there are “no hard feelings” between him and Wests Tigers player Luke Laulilii following a controversial tackle that led to a season-ending injury. The incident occurred during a crucial match on Easter Monday, where Simonsson was stretchered off the field with a dislocated ankle after Parramatta’s golden-point 22-20 loss.
During a mid-air contest in the second half, Laulilii dragged his opposing winger down to the ground, resulting in Simonsson landing awkwardly on his lower leg. This unfortunate event not only sidelined Simonsson for the rest of the year but also left the Eels struggling with a series of injuries.
- The tackle led to Peter Gough sin-banning Laulilii, and he was later hit with a one-game suspension for dangerous contact. However, Simonsson did not see the situation as an act of foul play.
“It’s the game we play, risk comes with it,” Simonsson told The Sydney Morning Herald. “No bad feelings at all, it’s an accident. Shit happens in footy. I reached out to a couple of the boys I know at the Tigers to make sure he didn’t feel bad.”
Simonsson emphasized that he didn’t want Laulilii to feel like it was his fault, highlighting that such incidents could easily happen to anyone. He added, “I didn’t see it as foul play, it’s just one of those things. It could easily be me in his position on the other side of the ball.”
The on-field referee, Gough, was heard alerting the Bunker that Simonsson’s injury “looked pretty bad” while Mitchell Moses pleaded his case. Simonsson was in visible agony as he laid on the turf with his foot still facing outward, but he has since posted on social media and appears in good spirits.
Impact on the Eels
This injury is the latest in a poor run for the Eels, who have already lost forward J’maine Hopgood for the season as a result of a hip-drop tackle from Ryan Couchman. Gun fullback Isaiah Iongi is also sidelined after a similar incident involving Mitch Kenny.
Michael Ennis commented on Fox League, stating, “They’ve had some bad luck to start the season.” Eels coach Jason Ryles admitted the run of injuries was proving difficult, but was eager to give some fresh talent an opportunity in the blue and gold jumper.
“Those contests happen every week, same with the hip drops,” Ryles continued. “The players don’t mean to do it, we understand that – but there are reasons why those actions are outlined, because of what we are going through now.”
Laulilii’s Situation
As for Laulilii, who is set to join the Perth Bears next year, he had to contend with a chorus of boos from the CommBank Stadium crowd and will now miss his side’s round six game. Tigers coach Benji Marshall did not agree with the call.
“If he didn’t get injured, would it have been the same result? I didn’t agree but whatever, we just had to deal with it,” Marshall said.
Laulilii risks a two-match ban if he fights the charge at the judiciary and loses. Despite the controversy, both players have shown maturity in handling the situation, highlighting the complexities of the sport and the importance of sportsmanship.
