Brisbane back-rower Matt Gillett has extended an olive branch to Tom Trbojevic after the Broncos copped flak for celebrating the tackle that injured the Manly fullback.
The Broncos forward also admits more-serious injuries will occur if the "tackling in the air" rule is not addressed by the NRL.
Manly chairman Scott Penn hit out at Brisbane amid a chorus of disapproval on social media, after the Broncos posted a tweet and online story, claiming winger David Mead's tackle that injured the NSW Origin hopeful for up to eight weeks was a "great play".
The Broncos later apologised and removed the tweet and story from their website.
Gillett said the Broncos players' thoughts went out to Trbojevic.
"As players, you don't want to see anything like that happen. We feel for Tom," he said.
The controversial Broncos' tweet - with the hashtag #TrueStrength - linked to an online story, explaining why Mead's tackle was within the rules when he took out Trbojevic in the 63rd minute of Saturday night's Suncorp Stadium clash.
Trbojevic was ruled out for six to eight weeks with ankle and knee injuries suffered when he landed awkwardly after being tackled in the air by Mead.
Brisbane flyer Mead was not penalised because the "tackling in the air" rule offered protection to players only when the ball was caught on the full - not when it bounced as was the case with Trbojevic.
Manly coach Trent Barrett said after the match officials should have shown "common sense" and penalised Mead and hoped officials clarified the tackling in the air rule's "grey areas".
Gillett admitted more players would get injured if the rule was not addressed.
"Accidents happen when two players go hard at the ball. Rules are rules," he said.
"Until it changes, it is probably going to continue to happen.
"It's pretty dangerous when you are up in the air and have no control.
"That's the last thing we want to see happen to a footballer, getting injured like that."
Share
