'That is so dangerous': Andrew Johns' warning to players as Iemaima Etuale awaits fate over ugly tackle
Iemaima Etuale will be hopeful her season is not cut short due to suspension as she awaits her fate over a dangerous tackle on Eels skipper Mahalia Murphy.
A spot in the finals series is well out of reach for the Wests Tigers, but coach Brett Kimmorley could be on the hunt for someone to replace Etuale for the club's final game.
Parramatta had a comfortable 28-0 lead when the Tigers lock came powering in to tackle Murphy, who was struggling to charge past rival captain Kezie Apps.
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As two additional Tigers defenders came in to assist Apps, Etuale dived in and wrapped her arms around Murphy's knees, forcing the Eels second-rower to lose her balance.
"Oh, that is bad, that is a bad tackle," league great Andrew Johns said on Nine.
Iemaima Etuale is placed on report for a dangerous diving tackle. Nine
The referee wasted no time signalling a penalty for the act and informed Etuale that she had been placed on report.
"This is the tackle that they need to get out of the game. That is so dangerous," Johns said.
Johns said a similar tackle on Liam Knight almost ended the former Bulldogs prop's NRL career. He now plays in the Super League.
"It is such a dangerous tackle, diving at the back of the legs," the eighth Immortal said.
"You could tear every ligament in your knee."
No try was scored off the back of the penalty but Fleur Ginn darted across the line minutes later to extend the side's lead to 34-0.
The Tigers were determined to stamp some points on the board to finish up the game, with Sarah Togatuki crossing in the 56th minute.
But the individual brilliance of Martha Mataele was put back on display as she planted the ball down with three minutes remaining to record a hat-trick against the Tigers.
Mataele's efforts also marked the final points in the match, with the Eels snatching a 38-4 win over their visiting rivals.
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Kiana Takairangi had opened the scoring for Parramatta in the fifth minute before Mataele pushed the side further ahead just four minutes later.
Murphy then bagged a double with tries in the 14th and 26th minutes. An intercept by Mataele saw her end the first half with two tries to her name.
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