'Boys going hard': Inside vicious Waratahs punch-up as Max Jorgensen applauds teammate for quick apology
Updated . First published
NSW Waratahs star Max Jorgensen is confident that the culture at the club is strong despite a vicious pre-season punch-up that left a recruit with a fractured eye socket.
Lock Miles Amatosero escaped with a slap on the wrist after landing a flurry of punches on fellow forward Angus Scott-Young on January 10 at the team's training facility in Daceyville.
Amatosero tackled Scott-Young off the ball before the latter took exception on the ground.
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The Waratahs pre-season punch-up. Supplied
Amatosero landed three punches to his teammate's head before Waratahs players intervened and separated the pair.
Rugby Australia and the Waratahs announced on Saturday that the 23-year-old had been suspended for four games following a formal review into the incident.
But Amatosero can reduce his suspension to two games upon successful completion of counselling and education programs.
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Maddison Levi, Chris Stubbs and Max Jorgensen at the Australian Open. Sam Worthington
"Yeah, I was there," Jorgensen told Wide World of Sports during a Stan Sport promotional visit to Melbourne for the Australian Open on Sunday.
"It's a tough one. Stuff like that happens in our game, and it's a high-performance environment. Stuff like that's always going to happen, and we just move on with it. Hopefully, everything gets put behind us, and we can just keep playing footy."
Amatosero will miss the trial matches against the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies but will be available for the Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Reds in Sydney on February 13.
The Waratahs pre-season punch-up. Supplied
"He did address the group and apologise, which is really good of him," Jorgensen said.
"We just try to put it behind us, everyone gets back on the same page and just sticks to the footy. You've got boys going hard at training, and sometimes you can get under each other's skin.
"It happens at every club, you know, but it's really unfortunate the outcome, losing Gus and also losing Miles.
Jake Gordon of the Waratahs steps in as Antonio Shalfoon and Miles Amatosero exchange words. Getty
"It's not ideal, and it's not what you want, but we're trying to put it behind us and really focus on the season ahead."
The Waratahs were initially not going to take action, but due to the severity of Scott-Young's injuries, RA launched an investigation.
Scott-Young arrived at the Waratahs in the off-season from English club Northampton.
Angus Scott Young of Northampton Saints. Getty
He is the son of former Wallabies firebrand Sam Scott-Young.
Jorgensen said a preseason camp in Mudgee had helped bring the group together after the dustup.
"It was a good camp for connection and getting to know each other. It's good to meet new boys and get new players and experience into the team, so it's been really fun."
