Murray added: “I don’t think it was deliberate and it probably looked a little worse than it was. I was probably lucky I didn’t come off too banged up.”
Some TV commentators were in disbelief at the decision and labelled the send-off over the top, and it’s sure to be a talking point among fans all weekend.
“No one is hurt, everyone is OK. Settle down. He doesn’t need a spell,” Phil Gould said on Nine commentary, before Atkins pointed to the stands.
“I really can’t believe he’s walking past me now,” Brad Fittler said from the sideline.
Karl Lawton was marched for a spear tackle on Cameron Murray.Credit:Getty Images
“To be sent off for that, when there is no injury to the player, I find it extraordinary … if that’s your product, I give up,” Gould added.
Newcastle’s Mitch Barnett has been the only other player sent off this year, and that was for a sickening off-the-ball incident on Penrith’s Chris Smith and led to a six-match ban.
Manly fans, who were well represented in Gosford, would have hopped back on the M1 Motorway wondering what could have been had it remained a fair fight.
South Sydney’s Cody Walker dives over for a try to celebrate his 150th NRL match.Credit:Getty
Souths scored a couple of late tries to triumph 40-22.
Souths were entitled to put this result to bed a lot earlier than they should have. Manly also played the final half hour without Brad Parker who succumbed to a knee injury.
The highlight for Souths was Walker scoring a try in the 52nd minute in his milestone game and then pointing to the heavens, something he does every time he crosses the line as a show of respect for his late mother.
Shaq Mitchell, the older brother of Latrell Mitchell, was also given a cheer when he took the field early in the second half for his NRL debut in a 12-minute cameo.
Manly can hold their heads high given they were forced to overcome the loss of Lawton. Schuster was excellent in return and bound to strip fitter.
Cherry-Evans, who kicked a 40/20, was awarded a penalty try, was again in everything along with his trusty mate Kieran Foran.
There has been plenty of debate about whether Schuster should replace ‘Foz’ as Manly’s No. 6 moving forward, but Foran is making an irresistible case to remain in his preferred position.
Manly should welcome the return of Tom Trbojevic for next Saturday’s home game against the Wests Tigers. Baby brother Ben finished the game at left centre for the busted Parker. Substitute No.1 Reuben Garrick was brave again at the back, despite being hindered by his right quad that was again heavily strapped.
Stream the NRL Premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
Manly back-rower sent off for spear tackle on Souths skipper
Source: Philippines Alive
