The Sydney Roosters have thrashed the Dolphins 64-12 and sent a warning to the rest of the NRL after four players were sin-binned in an explosive contest at Suncorp Stadium.
A melee erupted after Roosters flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase scored the second of his three tries in the ninth minute of the contest.
Tricolours’ forward duo Spencer Leniu and Naufahu Whyte were binned, as were Dolphins pair Frank Molo and Aublix Tawha after a fiery clash broke out.
From the ensuing kick-off, Siua Wong was knocked senseless in an accidental head clash.
The late, great Arthur Beetson would have loved the physicality in a showdown that honoured his enormous legacy to both clubs.
The rugby league Immortal won premierships at the Dolphins in 1965, in the Brisbane Rugby League competition, and Roosters in 1974-75.
Roosters prop Spencer Leniu at Suncorp Stadium.Credit: Getty Images
He played tough, and he played with flair. The Roosters did both of those things far better to stay in ninth position on 26 points, equal with the eighth-placed Dolphins. The hosts’ for and against is still superior, but it took a battering in their biggest ever loss.
Roosters captain James Tedesco had a blinder and won the Artie Legacy Medal for man of the match, but had plenty of mates.