Dolphins enforcer Felise Kaufusi has revealed a “little smirk” from Roosters hooker Brandon Smith sparked his tackling rampage in his aspect’s shock 28-18 win.
Kaufusi was awarded the Arthur Beetson Medal for participant of the match because the NRL’s latest franchise secured victory over the premiership heavyweights of their debut look.
The 30-year-old backrower was a person on a mission and one second with former Storm teammate Smith started a sequence of damaging tackles.
Watch each sport of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Late within the first half Kaufusi tried to belt Egan Butcher earlier than Smith pushed him within the again, enraging the veteran ahead who turned again right into a ruck and gave away a “silly penalty”.
Then when his likelihood arose, Kaufusi took it with each arms and flatted Smith throughout a play on the left aspect of the sector, with the Tricolours No.9 left grabbing at his ribs.
“He actually pissed me off that little rascal. I think he pushed me, he pushed me and I looked back to try and see who it was and he just gave me a little smirk,” Kaufusi stated on NRL360.
“In the heat of the moment it got the better of me and I gave away a silly penalty and that’s something that I wanted to make up for.
“I got my chance and I tried to make sure that I got him, and I got lucky there.”
Smith himself was requested “did you spray Kaufusi as well?” by James Graham and he additionally stated a “little smile” sparked Kaufusi’s rage.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘SHOOTS FIRST, THINKS LATER’: Latrell praised for sledge forward of acid take a look at
‘HOW DOES HE KNOW?’: Kent slams ‘misguided’ Gould over concussion rant
GUILTY: Graham’s unanimous verdict as Sharks star hit with four-week ban
TEAMS ANALYSIS: Tigers’ star recruit nonetheless lacking as Knights, Roosters’ weapons return
Latrell no certainty for Panthers conflict | 02:16
Get all the newest NRL news, highlights and evaluation delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“No I didn’t spray him, I remember he did a swinging arm and I kind of walked over and pushed him,” Smith stated on The Bye Round Podcast.
“But like I didn’t say anything to him, and then he kind of ran back and we had a little giggle for a moment and then he got a penalty.
“Then I had my little smile on, but I didn’t say anything, I’m not a big sprayer on the field.”
Kaufusi additionally spoke about Wayne Bennett’s teaching philosophy and the way he was in a position to mastermind to shock victory.
“He’s pretty cool, calm and collected, his message was pretty simple, he obviously knew how big an occasion it was going to be and just told us to keep it simple,” Kaufusi stated.
“It was great to get that first win straight off the bat and on such a big occasion.
“But we’ve got so much more to play for, every game we play will be our first.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au