Jack Hetherington could potentially be penalized by the NRL following the emergence of footage showing the intense Newcastle forward seemingly throwing a punch at Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney in the players’ tunnel after both were sent to the sin bin.
Fox League broadcasted the footage of Hetheringon waiting for Mahoney outside the dressing rooms at Accor Stadium towards the end of Canterbury’s 36-12 victory after they were each dismissed for an on-field altercation.
While Hetherington appears to be smiling and possibly jesting, Mahoney, who is not facing him directly, receives a left jab to the shoulder before a Knights official intervenes to escort Hetherington away. Fox League analyst Cooper Cronk described the scene as “crazy” while Braith Anasta, who claims to know Hetherington well, believes he was attempting to provoke a confrontation.
With a history of judiciary issues, Hetherington could face significant punishment if charged by the match review committee for the unusual incident. Despite Mahoney receiving applause from home fans shortly before full-time for his involvement in the on-field scuffle, which was the only display of aggression from Newcastle during the game, the Bulldogs displayed resilience under Cameron Ciraldo’s leadership, boosting their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the Knights, who are grappling with injuries, especially to star player Kalyn Ponga, are struggling in the competition.
Coach Adam O’Brien’s side suffered their fifth defeat in seven matches, with Ponga leaving the field in the 51st minute due to a foot problem, compounding their woes after already being hampered by a hip injury. The severity of Ponga’s foot injury remains uncertain, with further scans scheduled for Monday.
Reflecting on the disappointing performance, O’Brien emphasized the team’s need to rediscover their passion for the game and hinted at the burden of expectations following their previous season’s success. Despite starting the season with setbacks, the Bulldogs showcased their potential with a dominant performance against the Knights, with players like Josh Addo-Carr shining on the field.
Ciraldo expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress but acknowledged the need for further improvement. However, Canterbury faced setbacks of their own, with Chris Patolo exiting early due to an MCL injury, and concerns over a potential long-term absence for him. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs extended their lead in the first half, showcasing their dominance against a struggling Knights defensive line.