Sledge that sparked wild Lachlan Lewis’ halftime brain snap revealed
The NRL was floored by incredible scenes between the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs but the truth of what sparked it has been revealed.
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The rugby league world was left flabbergasted on Sunday night when the Bulldogs’ Lachlan Lewis body slammed the Rabbitohs’ Cody Walker.
The wild and seemingly unprovoked tackle appeared to catch even the most seasoned NRL fans and commentators off-guard with the bizarre scenes coming from nowhere.
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While the high-flying Rabbitohs ended up winning the match against the last-placed Bulldogs 32-24, the brain snap after the halftime siren had tongues wagging.
Lewis — the nephew of rugby league great Wally — appeared to be in a good mood as they walked from the field before the WWE move took things a little too far and saw him sent to the sin bin for his trouble.
“(Bulldogs coach) Trent Barrett must be absolutely filthy,” 2004 Premiership winner Braith Anasta said at halftime.
“It’s hard to explain why he did this.”
“That’s one of the craziest things I’ve seen in a long time,” added Panthers legend Greg Alexander.
After the game, Walker had no answers when asked why Lewis had tackled him to the turf.
“I wouldn’t have a clue,” Walker said with a laugh.
However, Walker may have had more of an idea than he first let on.
Lewis has played just four first grade games this season as well as five more in reserve grade, and Walker is believed to have hit him close to home.
The Daily Telegraph reported that several sources alleged Walker told the Bulldogs five-eighth to “go back to reserve grade”.
Lewis is off-contract at the end of the season and doesn’t have a deal for 2022.
Fox League reported that the pair came together after Walker was tackled to sent the teams to halftime, before he launched a spray at Lewis who was helping his teammates up.
Walking off the field, Lewis then tapped Walker on the bottom, before the Rabbitohs star said something else and the melee ensued.
Fans were left baffled by what had transpired.
I have no words. What just happened?? @NRL_Bulldogs@SSFCRABBITOHS@FOXNRL#LachlanLewis
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) July 18, 2021
Reckon there might be a few Bulldogs fans googling how to take their name off a petition right now. Utter stupidity. #NRLSouthsBulldogs
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) July 18, 2021
WTF was Lachlan Lewis thinking ? He's a smart bloke but that was just bloody stupid Hey be belief @NRL_Bulldogs#NRL#NRLSouthsBulldogs
— Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) July 18, 2021
On Monday, Lewis was handed a $1600 fine by the NRL match review committee. If he fights and loses, he will be fined $2400 but will be free to play in the Bulldogs’ next game against the Sharks.
Originally published as Sledge that sparked wild Lachlan Lewis’ halftime brain snap revealed