SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Vunivalu play leaves NRL coaches stunned

Melbourne winger Suliasi Vunivalu was put on report during the Sydney Roosters clash for trying to leap over the defensive line, leaving both coaches stunned.

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Call it a high hurdle, a cannon-ball or leap-frog - even Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy was left scratching his head about a move by the Storm's Suliasi Vunivalu.

The athletic winger pulled off one of the most bizarre moves seen in the NRL when he took a high ball and then tried to jump over the Sydney Roosters defensive line.

He was put on report for the play, with commentators split on whether it would leave him suspended for a few weeks or not even charged by the Match Review Committee.

Bellamy wasn't sure but was certain he didn't want to see it again.

"I'm not quite sure what Suli was trying to do there, probably ask Suli, it was probably a bit of a brain fade," Bellamy said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"It was a pretty big play in the game to be quite honest, I think they scored on the end of that penalty so hopefully he learns a lesson and he doesn't do it again."

Bellamy said because Vunivalu didn't actually hit any players with his knee it wasn't deserving of more than a penalty.

"Because I don't think he actually hit anyone so I'm not quite sure what the charge is.

"I agree it's a penalty, without a doubt but I don't know what they're going to charge him with so if he does get charged we'll have a look at it then.

"I think they're probably scratching their heads at home at the moment wondering what it was."

Roosters coach Trent Robinson was equally puzzled but said it shouldn't be part of the game.

"How do you comment on that? You just haven't seen it in the game before, what do you make of it," Robinson said.

"It was something that you shouldn't see in rugby league."


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world