The Warriors’ many memorable clashes with Wests Tigers are recounted in our rivalry article, so this week’s Flashback Friday relieves one of the most bizarre incidents the clubs’ showdowns have produced.
The finals-bound Warriors carved out as important 28-16 win over the Tigers at Campbelltown in Round 19 of 2017, but the conclusion of the match left a sour taste for Wade McKinnon.
The combative Warriors fullback was dismissed after an innocuous incident two minutes from fulltime, left stunned and furious when referee Paul Simpkins pointed to the sheds after making a regulation tackle.
McKinnon was charged with kneeing Tigers winger Taniela Tuiaki in the head. The big Kiwi winger was equally baffled, while McKinnon was cleared of any wrongdoing by the match review panel after video evidence showed no indiscretion.
Perhaps McKinnon’s reputation had preceded him. The elusive former Souths and Parramatta No.1, a superb replacement for the departed Brent Webb in Auckland in 2007, had been suspended earlier in the season for shoving referee Jason Robinson in a win over Souths.
Categories: FEATURES, Flashbacks
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