Monday Buzz: Josh Aloiai and Brandon Wakeham separated in fiery tunnel stink

Two players had a serious verbal exchange that looked like getting out of hand before they were pulled apart in shocking scenes after Manly’s clash with Wests Tigers. Here’s what sparked mayhem.

Josh Aloiai fires up aginst the Tigers. Picture: Getty

Manly’s Josh Aloiai and Wests Tigers’ Brandon Wakeham had to be separated in the tunnel outside the change rooms after Sunday’s game at Campbelltown.

The pair had a serious verbal exchange that looked like getting out of hand before they were pulled apart.

Sea Eagles players were angry at the way Wakeham carried on when Starford To’a scored for the Wests Tigers in the second half.

The Tigers five-eighth walked over and gave Sea Eagles debutant Sameula Fainu a spray for missing the tackle.

Aloiai made it clear he wasn’t happy about it.

Josh Aloiai fires up aginst the Tigers. Picture: Getty

HIGHLIGHT

Kalyn Ponga’s safe return for the Newcastle Knights against the Cowboys in Townsville meant more than the scoreboard result. He will be so much better for the run.

LOWLIGHT

The non sin-binning of Broncos forward Payne Haas for the tackle that could sideline Parramatta Eels forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard for three months. We can cope with the hip-drop crackdown but we need consistency in the policing of the rules.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard suffered a shocking injury in Darwin. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

SHOOSH

Channel 9 started promoting Mat Thompson as their head commentator last year when Ray Warren retired. So it was unusual he didn’t call the Manly Sea Eagles against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on Sunday. New recruit Brendon Speed got the gig instead. Turns out Thompson was being ‘rested’ for the Anzac Day blockbuster on Tuesday.

SPOTTED

Latrell Mitchell in bare feet, climbing over seats at Accor Stadium before the match against Penrith, to get to an elderly South Sydney fan who was desperate to meet him.

SPOTTED

Souths boss Blake Solly sitting next to Peter V’landys at the John Sattler memorial service at Redfern last week. These two have come a long way since Christmas when they weren’t talking.

Latrell Mitchell is one of the game’s good guys. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

SPOTTED

Referee Ashley Klein enjoying a soft drink at the Tap Bar on Friday afternoon in Darwin to escape the heat before the Eels v Broncos game. He happily chatted to fans who were in town for the game.

SPOTTED

Former Newcastle Knights halfback Jarrod Mullen, now 36, was hoping to have another season in bush football this year with Mittagong. Sadly he has suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that requires surgery.

SPOTTED

Australia has a new national boxing champion … Jalen Tait won the Australian lightweight belt on Friday night previously held by Harry Garside. Garside was due to defend his title against Tait but chose to do I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here on Channel 7 instead.

Harry Garside on I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!

SHOOSH

Forget the flashy wingers and fullbacks, hookers are becoming the surprisingly popular pick for punters in first try-scoring betting markets. Blayke Brailey, Lachlan Croker and Jeremy Marshall-King were the best backed to score the opening tries over the weekend.

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm on Monday with Braith Anasta, Paul Kent, Brent Read and Cooper Cronk to discuss all the important rugby league issues.

Originally published as Monday Buzz: Josh Aloiai and Brandon Wakeham separated in fiery tunnel stink