Dragons winger coat-hangers rival

Dragons winger Eto Nabuli was lucky to escape a send-off after committing a horror coat-hanger tackle on Warrington rival Kenny Perry in their World Club Series game in England.

The ugly incident occurred in the 30th minute of the match as St George Illawarra led the Wolves 12-6.

Perry had just got the ball as Warrington spread their attack to the Dragons right edge, looking to exploit an overlap when the Fijian flyer came charging off his wing to shutdown the play.

The Englishman went to straighten his run when Nabuli launched himself in the air and caught him flush across the neck, bringing him down instantly.

A furious Perry was quick to jump to his feet and confront the big winger before teammates from both sides charged in as tempers flared.

English commentators Eddie Hemmings, Mike Stephenson and Phil Clarke were in shock over the incident, with Clarke commenting: "Well Kevin penny's lucky he's still got a head on his shoulders".

"He's got that all wrong," Clarke added. "He's got the whole body to aim at and he's ended up around the neck."

Hemmings, Stephenson and Clarke said they expected Nabuli to be at least sin-binned for the tackle.

But amazingly, he escaped with just a caution and penalty with the referee's decision no doubt influenced by Perry's quick recovery.

The Dragons went on to win the match 18-12.