http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/buzz-shocking-alleged-gouge-by-manly-sea-eagles-star-josh-starling-an-eyesore-for-nrl/story-fni3gnk1-1227019769103
Buzz: Shocking alleged gouge by Manly Sea Eagles star Josh Starling an eyesore for NRL
PHIL ROTHFIELD SPORTS EDITOR-AT-LARGE THE DAILY TELEGRAPH AUGUST 11, 2014
IN a shocking weekend for foul play, this is the photograph the NRL or the Manly Sea Eagles didn’t want to see.
Ace photographer Gregg Porteous caught Manly front-rower Josh Starling appearing to gouge Souths forward Dave Tyrrell in Friday night’s match at the SCG.
The second-half incident will be investigated by the NRL match review committee on their busiest morning of the season on Monday.
Throw it in with Josh Reynolds’ three brain snaps in Brisbane on Friday night and an alleged “chicken wing’’ that put Manly centre Steve Matai out of the match against the Rabbitohs and it’s an ugly look for the code.
I text-messaged the photo to both the Souths and Manly camps on Sunday to get their thoughts on it. Manly coach Geoff Toovey did not reply.
Working in Starling’s favour is the fact it happened right in front of referee Chris James.
On face value it looks shocking. You’d think Starling would be trying to palm the player rather than using two fingers in a gouging position.
If proven guilty of foul play, Starling will be facing a long spell on the sidelines.
Depending on the level of intent, players in the past have been suspended for up to 20 weeks for gouging. The South Sydney Rabbitohs have chosen not to comment.
Manly would have gone through the Video this weekend and there would be many 'gouges' throughout the game
Buzz is ever vigilant when it comes to Manly and the NRL