Newcastle prop David Klemmer was sent off in the dying stages of the Knights’ loss to the Rabbitohs for his involvement in a tense all-in scuffle.
Klemmer had moments earlier been involved in another push-and-shove with Bunnies No.11 Keaon Koloamatangi.
Off the next play, the former Bulldog forced his arm into the head of new Rabbitoh Daniel Suluka-Fifita during a tackle.
Latrell Mitchell ran in to join the fun and drag Klemmer off the ruck, triggering the rest of the players to get involved.
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Referee Todd Smith attempted to separate the two packs, before the clock eventually wound down.
Mitchell, who was stand-in captain in the absence of Cam Murray, then potted over a penalty goal to push South Sydney’s lead out to 40-28.
In the Nine commentary box, Andrew Johns said Klemmer’s blow-up and send-off were a flow-on from the confrontation with Koloamatangi.
Phil Gould said it was “a disappointing way to end the night”.
In the post-match press conference, Mitchell said it was his “job as captain to protect his players and stand up for his teammates”.
“I’m always the first one for my teammates and that’s how I build my game and that’s who I am,” he said.
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“But definitely a lot of emotion went into tonight, and the result was obviously dealt with.”
Mitchell had been put on report earlier after making contact with the head of Dom Young as he made a try-saving tackle on the young Knights winger.
Knights coach Adam O’Brien said he didn’t see the incident as he’d already left the coaches’ box, but felt it was likely Klemmer had been sent off “to calm things down”.
He said Klemmer had already apologised to his teammates for the incident.
“He’s got a high care factor. He just put in 60 or close to 70-odd minutes, I’d say, and he’s frustrated and let his emotions probably take over there.”
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