Greg Marzhew could be in some hot water with the match review committee after the Knights winger was pinged for a high shot on Setu Tu on Friday night.
Marzhew was left hot headed after hearing the referee’s whistle early in the second half of Newcastle’s 22-20 win to the Dragons, as he learned he had given away a crucial penalty to the visiting team.
Greg Marzhew is pinged for an ugly high tackle on Setu Tu. Nine
Tu was looking to slice through Newcastle’s defence when he was brought to the ground by Bradman Best and simultaneously collected high by Marzhew.
Marzhew was not impressed as he got to his feet and realised his opposing winger was lying flat on the floor, holding on to his jaw in visible pain.
“He had plenty to say to him too, Marzhew. He was not happy that he laid down,” Andrew Johns said on Nine.
“He’s hit him right in the beak.”
The Knights gun was then informed as a replay of the tackle played on the big screens in Newcastle that he had been put on report and given away a penalty.
But it was not the first time that Marzhew was pinged for illegal contact in the match, also giving away a penalty in the first half for a shot on Tu.
Tu did not seem overly rattled by that tackle in the first half though, getting back to his feet in a matter of seconds before the penalty was awarded.
Still, Nine’s panel was concerned Marzhew could be sanctioned for the act.
“He could be in a bit of trouble for that one,” Paul Gallen said.
“It is direct contact with the head,” Andrew Johns added.
In the next set, Valentine Holmes powered over to stamp the ball down in goal before Tyrell Sloan darted over to narrow the margin to 16-12 at half time.
Sandon Smith was the first to strike in the second half, but the Dragons were determined to do whatever it took to steal victory from the home side.
An error in the in-goal by Fletcher Sharpe opened the door for Tu to score the easiest of tries. Dylan Egan narrowed the margin again in the 71st minute; however, Holmes was unable to convert either of his teammates’ efforts.
Kyle Flanagan attempted to score the game-winning try in the final seconds of the match but was unable to keep grip of the ball as he fell over the tryline.
Earlier, Dane Gagai and Dom Young linked up on the edge to pave the way for Newcastle’s first try, flicking the ball inside to Sharpe to run away and score.
The young fullback stamped more points on the scoreboard for his team minutes later, collecting an offload from Best to dive over from close range.
The Dragons failed to touch the ball between Sharpe’s first and second try.
Newcastle looked to add their third in 15 minutes via Dom Young, but his leap into the air for the ball resulted in him tapping it forward and then knocking it on.