McKinnon unfazed by Manu tackle - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

McKinnon unfazed by Manu tackle

By Angela Habashy 21/06/2011 04:57:27 PM Comments (0)

Wests Tigers' NRL fullback Wade McKinnon says he's unfazed Melbourne's Sika Manu was able to get off so lightly for the 'crusher' tackle on him at the weekend.

But he does agree with the growing chorus of players who say the Storm are notorious for their wrestling tactics.

Manu was placed on report for a 'crusher' tackle on McKinnon late in the Tigers' 12-4 loss to Melbourne on Sunday and for earlier appearing to knee England second-rower Gareth Ellis in the back of the calf.

But the Storm forward only received a grade one charge for the Ellis incident, leaving many crying foul.

"To be honest. I don't really care. I didn't get hurt so it doesn't really bother me," McKinnon said.

"It's up to the refs that make the call.

"I mean I was carried by my head, so I don't know if that's allowed or not.

"But to be honest, it hasn't really fazed me. I haven't really thought about it."

Tigers' captain Robbie Farah was left fuming after the match and called on the NRL match-review committee to take action against Manu, as allegations about the Storm's use of illegal wrestling tactics resurfaced.

"They're (Melbourne) known to be a good wrestling team and they obviously practise that," McKinnon said.

"Sometimes, it probably doesn't go right for them and, when it doesn't, that's when the penalties and stuff come."

Tigers' prop Keith Galloway agrees but says it could just be the direction the game is going in.

"There's no doubt they wrestle more than any other team," he said.

"They're all over you in the ruck. But whether that's fair or not, I'm not too sure.

"There's obviously a couple of contentious tackles in the game but they're just good at wrestling, I think, and maybe that's the way the game's played these days, I guess."

The sixth-placed Tigers were dealt a blow on Tuesday with star playmaker Benji Marshall ruled out of Friday's Canterbury clash with a knee injury.

With the Tigers having the bye the following week, the club hope Marshall will be fit to return for their round 18 match away to Parramatta.

But with the Tigers and the ninth-placed Bulldogs coming off a loss, both teams are eager for the two points.

"We tend to bounce back pretty good after a loss. Obviously losing Benji, that's a bit of bad luck," McKinnon said.

"But we've got a great squad and just with all the injuries we've had this year, it just shows every person that steps up gets the job done.

"So I think we're going to be fine there.

"You know they're (Bulldogs) going to come out playing strong.

"But we've got to get one back on them from round one and us coming back from a loss, too, we're keen to get out there and get the win."

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