Coach Brad Fittler believes Matt Burton’s sinful drive to the home state decision was “a little ridiculous” as NSW licks his wounds after the Maroons comeback victory. Blues midfielder Burton and Queensland, along with Dane Gagai, were both hooked when the Origin series decisive fell into a setback, fists flying in a second-half fight.
The pair received a spell from referee Ashley Klein in the 42nd minute after the Maroons took a break at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. When Queensland exploded on the field, Burton collided with Maroons winger Kalyn Ponga after passing and tried to catch up with the play.
Gagai made an exception to the contact of the new South Welshman in Ponga and knocked him down before they squared off. The couple hesitated and then threw a burst of blows at each other.
While most of Burton was lost, Gagai found the head of downtown NSW repeatedly and rose after the melee with a black eye and bleeding nose. He was aided by Queensland teammate Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who restrained Burton as Gagai approached him, putting him on a lead.
Klein showed no tolerance for violence and sent the couple to the trash of sin, but saved Fa’asuamaleaui. The incident seemed to cheer the locals on, who started with a 12-10 to win 22-12.
“He didn’t start it, he won’t fight anyone,” Fittler said of Burton. “He got a belt, he received the penalty, he nailed his head and we went out with a player under each one. It’s ridiculous, but that’s what it is. “
Blues captain James Tedesco wondered why Fa’asuamaleaui wasn’t hooked, before Fittler closed the issue.
Matt Burton is sent to the Trash of Sins. Photography: Dave Hunt / AAP
The home games before were famous for going down in the fight, but the NRL has taken a nonsensical approach to field fights. Klein’s approach was consistent with Origin II, 2020, when Fa’asuamaleaui and Payne Haas were rejected for negotiating coups.
Both Gagai and Burton escaped the suspension in a crucial way they will not miss any club football after the NRL match review committee gave them monetary sanctions for grade two charges.
The couple have received a fine of 23% of their match share with early convictions and should be available for Canterbury and Newcastle respectively.
Gagai was relieved when he learned of the news that no club match would be missed, while a downed Burton struggled to understand the loss as he had a big black eye.
The Canterbury midfielder was inconsolable after the 22-12 defeat and insisted he had not suffered a fractured cheek or orbit.
“Whatever happens on the field stays on the field,” Burton said. “You don’t want to be sent off and it obviously affects the team. The referee controlled the game and that depends on his decision and that is football. I am not the referee, he makes the decisions and that is his call. It was obviously disappointing not to get the result. “
The only other player in charge of the match was Queensland team Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who hit Burton with a high shot in the ninth minute and was also involved in the fight with Gagai, holding Burton while Gagai put him about him.
He will face a 20% reduction in his party’s share if he pleads guilty and will be allowed to play Gold Coast against Brisbane on Saturday.