Concerns Rise: Jarome Luai Under Fire for Potential Eye Gouge as Blues’ Moments of Madness Lead to Costly Consequences

Jarome Luai, the five-eighth for NSW, is under investigation by the match review committee following a potential eye gouge incident involving Queensland forward Reuben Cotter. Andrew Johns noted that it “looked bad” in live action.

The incident concerning Luai was promptly reported, occurring amidst a series of costly errors by Blues players in the first half, which allowed the Maroons to establish a significant lead that ultimately proved insurmountable for NSW.

Five minutes prior to halftime, while Queensland held a 20-6 advantage, Nathan Cleary seemed poised to score a try, outmaneuvering the Maroons’ defence by stepping inside and shaking off Kalyn Ponga.

However, replays revealed that Stefano Utoikamanu, who had initially been a decoy runner and was returning to the line, inadvertently obstructed Pat Carrigan right inside Cleary’s pathway. Utoikamanu had initially broken through the defensive line but made a regrettable decision to backtrack while the ball was still in play, costing the Blues dearly.

“It looked a little too straightforward,” Cameron Smith remarked on Channel Nine.

This penalty against Utoikamanu was not the only error for NSW.

Martin’s Moment of Madness

In the 17th minute, Liam Martin experienced a whirlwind couple of minutes.

The second-rower forced a knock-on from Tino Fa’asuamaleaui with a solid tackle and was vocal about it.

However, during NSW’s next attacking set, Martin knocked the ball on after being tackled hard by Valentine Holmes.

The Maroons quickly capitalised, scoring their second try through Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, extending their lead to 12-6.

Luai’s Loss of Composure

In the 22nd minute, Luai was put on report for the alleged eye gouge, which commentators from Nine suggested may not have been as severe as initially depicted in freeze frames.

“It certainly appeared concerning,” Andrew Johns commented post-match.

Smith speculated that Luai “may just face a fine at most.”

The subsequent set exhibited further ill-discipline, as Angus Crichton was penalised for a high tackle on his Roosters teammate Robert Toia.

Lomax Loses Control

Just five minutes later, Zac Lomax found himself in trouble as well.

The winger elbowed Trent Loiero in the face during a tackle, resulting in him being placed on report and a penalty awarded to Queensland.

Loiero was subsequently forced to leave the field for a head injury assessment.

“There’s a bit of reckless play there from Zac Lomax, possibly stemming from frustration,” Smith noted.

Holmes converted the penalty goal, extending the Maroons’ lead to 14-6.