Jarome Luai speaks out after 'disgusting' act in Origin decider

Sports Reporter

Wed, 13 July 2022, 11:15 pm·3-min read

Jarome Luai (pictured right) being embraced by his teammates and (pictured left) Dane Gagi checking on Selwyn Cobbo (pictured on the ground left) during State of Origin. — Jarome Luai (pictured right) said he didn't do anything wrong when he was slammed for his actions towards Selwyn Cobbo (pictured on the ground left) during State of Origin. (Getty Images)

NSW No.6 Jarome Luai has defended his controversial actions in the Blues' loss to the Maroons in a fiery State of Origin decider.

The opening minutes of Game III were utterly chaotic, with three players knocked out of the game with concussion.

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Once such player was Selwyn Cobbo, who appeared to lose consciousness after a heavy hit while tackling Matt Burton.

Cobbo was face-up on the ground when Luai stood over him and taunted the Queensland youngster.

Maroons players ran in to grab Luai during the act in an attempt to move him away from the injured player.

NRL fans were left fuming at Luai and labelled the move to stand over an injured player and taunt him as 'disgusting'.

However, Luai has defended his actions after admitting he didn't know the 20-year-old was hurt.

"I actually didn't know he was knocked out," Luai said.

Selwyn Cobbo (pictured on the ground) lays unconscious and is attended to by Dane Gagai (pictured right) during State of Origin. — Selwyn Cobbo (pictured on the ground) is attended to by Dane Gagai (pictured right) after a tackle during State of Origin. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

"But that's Origin, heat of the moment stuff and we play with a lot of passion.

"I spoke to him after the game and he was all good, so it was good to see that.

"I don't think I have anything to apologise for, there wasn't any harm, and I didn't touch him."

Luai admitted he visited Cobbo after the game to check on his wellbeing.

Regardless, NRL fans were still left seething at the incident.

Unfortunate start to Origin, but that was disgusting from Jerome Luai to stand over Cobbo flexing after he’s out cold on the ground clearly knocked out… could have been seriously injured and he’s flexing over him being all tough?? Very grubby, gross stuff. #StateofOrigin
— Jacob Shields (@_jacobshields) July 13, 2022

Luai is my fave but that was a terrible look. Hope he learns from that one & hope Cobbo is okay 😥
— Nat Sinclair (@nat_sinclair93) July 13, 2022

I get passion. I get wanting to win. But this… this isn’t that. It’s disgusting. Completely unsportsmanlike, the man is concussed and you’re screaming. Grub act Luai. #stateoforigin https://t.co/uJbNJBNI7P
— Amanda (@manda_L2) July 13, 2022

Luai responds to 'grub' tag after State of Origin

Asked how the "grub" tag sat with him, Luai suggested it was water off a duck's back.

"They've always called me that," he said.

"As the fans of the sport, they need to take into consideration that they're not out there on the field."

Queensland forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui admitted he was fired up after seeing the Cobbo incident from the sidelines.

"I felt like running on ... I was on the bench at the time and I was so angry about it," he told AAP.

"That's football, that's State of Origin, it's a tough game and it's always like that."

Fortunately, Cobbo was well enough to walk around with the victorious Queensland outfit after the game in celebration.

with AAP

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