AAP Rugby

Luai drama with five-eighth on report after eye contact

By AAP Newswire

Jun 18, 2025

Jarome Luai's State of Origin return has been marred by allegations of eye-gouging, with the NSW five-eighth placed on report at Optus Stadium.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Luai appeared to make contact with Queensland second-rower Reuben Cotter's eyes during the first half of State of Origin II, before a melee broke out.

Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga then made a raking action to sideline officials, before Luai was placed on report by referee Ashley Klein.

The NRL generally lays charges for Origin matches in the hours after fulltime, with Luai's contact to now be looked at.

The Wests Tigers star is named to play for the NRL club against Canberra on Friday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

It is the second time Origin drama has surrounded Luai, with he and Reece Walsh both sent off for headbutting each other in Origin II in 2023.

Luai had only been called back into NSW's squad six days out from the game after Mitch Moses suffered a calf injury that has ruled him out for six weeks.

The five-eighth's indiscretion was one of several discipline issues for the Blues in the first half as they gave away eight penalties to Queensland's nil.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press