Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A cited for hip-drop tackle, despite Kevin Walters’ claim of ‘not much to it’

The St George Illawarra Dragons’ forward Jaydn Su’A is now waiting for the match review committee’s findings after receiving a penalty for a hip-drop tackle on Joseph Tapine.

Tapine, the Raiders prop, exited the field during the 25th minute following the tackle by Su’A.

In this instance, Tapine found himself caught between Su’A’s legs, which differs from the typical hip-drop tackle, where a defender applies their weight across the legs of the ball-carrier.

Consequently, Kevin Walters remarked on Fox League that he believed there wasn’t “a lot to it.”

Referee Gerard Sutton acknowledged a lack of intent when Damien Cook defended Su’A’s actions.

“However, there is certainly a risk of dangerous contact,” Sutton noted.

The Dragons suffered an early setback as Tyrell Sloan seemed to have scored in the corner, only for it to be declared a forward pass by Moses Suli.

“I thought it was a fair call, a significant decision,” commented Cooper Cronk.

The Raiders drew first blood at GIO Stadium when Xavier Savage scored with a deft dive into the corner.

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St George Illawarra responded eventually, with Sloan scoring from a well-executed backline move.

The final try of the first half belonged to Kaeo Weekes, who seized a loose ball 90 metres from the try line and sprinted the distance, earning a bow to the crowd in a nod to Try July.

However, Weekes faced his own controversy in the match as he was put on report for a crusher tackle involving Blake Lawrie.