Storm second-rower Felise Kaufusi has refused to apologise for his ugly elbow to Eels star Ryan Matterson’s head that resulted in a two-game ban.
Storm second-rower Felise Kaufusi has refused to apologise for his ugly elbow to Eels star Ryan Matterson’s head that resulted in a two-game ban.
Matterson has been dealing with concussion symptoms and has not played since Round 2 against the Storm when Kaufusi landed on his head with his elbow while he was on the ground
Speaking with Channel 9 News Kaufusi revealed he hadn’t reached out to Matterson and remains adamant that he does not overstep the line on the field.
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“It’s just one of those things that happened in the game,” Kaufusi said on Sydney’s Nine News.
“There was no intent and unfortunately he has had some previous head-knock injuries.
“I love being aggressive, playing hard, but obviously well within the rules.
“Unfortunately that one did hit him over the head, but I don’t go out there to intentionally hurt someone.”
Former Sharks and NSW Blues captain Paul Gallen, who has had his own share of run-ins at the judiciary, believes Kaufusi didn’t do anything wrong.
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“I don’t think it was the elbow that concussed him,” Gallen said on Nine’s 100% Footy.
“It think the elbow was a glancing blow.
“It was the force with which he hit the ground that knocked him out.”
However Blues coach Brad Fittler believes the NRL must get more serious about head injuries to protect player welfare.
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“We’re at a place with knowing more about our bodies and our brains,” Fittler said on 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio.
“Careless and reckless things that happen in a game – you need to come down harder.
“Four to six weeks might have been something better (than two weeks).
“All of a sudden your coach isn’t backing you, saying that was stupid and you’re going to cost the team.”
Matterson suffered a concussion and is finally set to return to the field when the Eels meet the Bulldogs at Stadium Australia in Round 8.