NRL 2022: Karl Lawton breaks silence on Cameron Murray tackle, send-off drama

A remorseful Karl Lawton has spoken out after his tackle gone wrong on Cameron Murray, revealing he broke down in tears after being sent off.

A remorseful Manly forward Karl Lawton has spoken about his send-off nightmare, claiming he was “praying there was nothing wrong” with his victim, South Sydney captain Cameron Murray.

Lawton told his story exclusively to The Sunday Telegraph just hours after being controversially dismissed for a lifting tackle on Murray which will result in a whopping four to five week suspension.

The Sea Eagles forward said he was “heartbroken and shattered” after breaking down in tears inside his side’s losing dressing room.

Despite jumping to an unexpected 10-2 lead with 12 men, a courageous Manly was worn down by a South side which claimed a 40-22 win in Gosford with Lawton declaring: “It was painful to watch. I’m really sorry for what happened.”

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Karl Lawton has broken his silence on the send-off, insisting it was an accident and that he is a clean player. Picture: Getty Images.

While apologising to teammates post-game, Lawton also sent a message of regret through social media to Murray.

“I was praying there was nothing wrong with him,” Lawton said.

A popular member of Manly’s team, Lawton hoped the NRL would show some leniency, insisting the tackle was an “accident” and that he was a “cleanskin.”

Lawton was charged with grade three dangerous throw by the NRL match review committee and is facing a four to five match suspension.

The rugby league community was split over Lawton dismissal with Nine’s Phil Gould saying: “To be sent off for that, when there is absolutely no injury to the other player, that’s extraordinary.”

Gould’s argument was countered on Fox Sports’ Greg Alexander claiming: “I thought it was a send-off offence.”

Lawton was devastated after the incident, in tears after watching his side fight tooth and nail but falling short. Picture: Getty Images.

THE EMOTION

A distraught Lawton, 26, watched his teammates attempt to overcome heavy physical adversity for 72 minutes of Friday night’s match.

“It was awful. I got sent off in the first 10 minutes so watching 70 minutes of footy with 12 of my mates out there on the paddock – all busting their arses – against 13 players, it was painful to watch,” Lawton said.

“It was like a slow burn for me, really. I was shattered after the game. I was pretty emotional. I admit I got upset. I felt every emotion under the sun after the tackle.

“It’s not a good feeling letting your teammates down. I let the fans down as well.

“I said sorry to everyone (his Manly teammates). I shook everyone’s hands and said: ‘Sorry, this one is on me.’

“They were really good. They said not to worry about it, it’s a game of footy. Mistakes happen and they were super supportive of me.

“The boys were outstanding with 12 players but it’s always tough to win when it’s 12 against 13. It was hard to watch.”

Asked if he was in tears, Lawton said: “Yeah. No matter which way you look at it, I feel terrible for what happened, obviously. I can’t tell you how bad I feel.”

THE TACKLE

Lawton lifted Murray over the horizontal and thrust him into the ground. The Sea Eagles forward wants it known that the tackle wasn’t deliberate or malicious.

“It was purely an accident. I just got down low and as I came up I assumed someone was over the top,” he said. “But with momentum – and in the heat of a match – it sort of went wrong.

“You make 40-odd tackles a game. If you do that week-in, week-out, there’s bound to be an error somewhere. We were right on our line and I was trying to stop a try.

“I’m a clean skin. I couldn’t tell you the last time something happened to me. It would have been three, four years ago, something like that. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I try 100 percent every game.

“With this accident, it is what it is. It’s done now but it doesn’t take away how terrible I feel about it. It was an accident and my record is clean.”

Lawton has been charged with a grade three dangerous throw charge and faces 4-5 weeks on the sidelines. Picture: Getty Images.

THE AFTERMATH

Lawton was unaware of his charge when conducting this interview.

He desperately hoped the NRL would show some mercy, saying: “I really don’t want to be that guy who is made an example of. I pride myself on my playing ability and my clean playing style.

“It would be heartbreaking to be the player the NRL makes an example of out of this. I’m just praying the judiciary sees it that way.”

Told the game was played at a ferocious speed, Lawton said: “You’re right. Exactly. I hope the judiciary takes that into account.

“It was an accident so I just hope they can go easy on me.

“In the heat of the battle, accidents happen. I hope they can see some sort of silver lining to this.”

Thankfully Cameron Murray came away from the incident unscathed. Picture: Getty Images.

THE OPPONENT

Lawton reached out to Murray, a player the Manly forward respects.

“I messaged Cameron through Instagram after the game and said: “Hope you’re okay, I feel awful.’ I’m not sure he has seen it yet,” Lawton said.

“He got straight up after the tackle, which I was grateful for. He had every right to have a go at me but he didn’t which was good. I was just glad he was okay.

“I was praying there was nothing wrong with him. Cameron’s a tremendous player and is as tough as nails. I’m really sorry for what happened.”

Lawton can take the early plea and accept a four-match suspension or try and fight the charge before an NRL judiciary panel on Tuesday night.

Should Lawton be found guilty at the hearing, his ban would increase to five games. With an early plea, Lawton would return in round 13 against the Warriors at 4 Pines Park.

Manly has until Sunday to lodge a plea

WHAT GUS GOULD GOT SO WRONG ON SEND OFF

—David Riccio

If you’ve sat across from Alex McKinnon teaching himself how to use a fork and spoon again, you wouldn’t question the send-off of Manly’s Karl Lawton on Friday night.

When you understand that McKinnon can no longer grip a pen, you would have no issue with Lawton missing 71-minutes of a football game.

He will be back on the field this year.

McKinnon will be using a professional carer to help him each day for the rest of his life.

NRL referee Grant Atkins should be applauded.

Lawton was sent-off from Central Coast Stadium because the tackle he performed could’ve ended with a catastrophic repercussions.

The tackle on Cameron Murray which saw Karl Lawton sent-off. Picture: Fox League.

Thankfully, it didn’t.

Lawton is a lucky man this morning.

Even Manly coach Des Hasler, usually defiant towards the NRL, couldn’t fault the outcome.

The man Lawton tackled, South Sydney captain Cameron Murray, is even luckier.

Imagine Murray’s parents watching that tackle.

Imagine Murray’s family hearing the safety of their son - of any player - isn’t as important as the “product” or TV ratings?

Lawton hit Murray in the midsection, drove with the momentum of the tackle, the force driving Murray up - and here’s where it goes wrong - before both his feet left the ground.

At that point, he lost all control of the tackle.

“To be sent of for that when there’s absolutely no injury to the other player, I find that extraordinary.”

🗣 Goose Gould

There is a reason these tackles are now very rare…

To think Murray needs to be injured for Lawton to be punished is mind-bogglingly stupid. https://t.co/WDvzHSz0ix

— Jason Oliver (@JasonNRL) April 29, 2022

Watched the Lawton tackle over and again on slo-mo. Murray’s 1st point of contact with the ground was thankfully the top of his left shoulder. However, he was an inch away from landing directly on his head. We know the trauma that can come from that. I’m content with a send-off.

— David Riccio (@DaveRic1) April 29, 2022

The onus in rugby league is on the defender to ensure the tackle doesn’t go wrong.

Thankfully, Murray swivels his torso, in mid-air, just enough to land on the high-point of his left shoulder.

One slight movement the other way and Murray lands directly on his head.

Any suggestion that the send-off was some type of square-up, retribution or make-do from the NRL for failing to sin bin Roosters winger Daniel Tupou for clocking Dragons winger Mikaele Ravalawa with a swinging arm on ANZAC Day is ridiculous.

The worst Ravalawa could‘ve suffered was a broken nose, fractured cheekbone or mild concussion.

They are all injuries which are painful and disruptive to a footballer’s career.

But not as indignant as showering every day for the rest of your life in a chair.