NRL investigating after vape thrown at referee Gerard Sutton after Sydney Roosters’ 22-20 win over Newcastle Knights

The NRL has confirmed a projectile was thrown at match officials as they made their way from the field, after a controversial finish in the Knights’ loss to the Roosters.

The NRL is investigating after a ‘vape’ was allegedly hurled towards referee Gerard Sutton after Thursday's game between Newcastle and the Sydney Roosters. Picture: NRL Images

A projectile was thrown at match officials as they made their way from the field in Newcastle on Thursday night.

This masthead understands that an object – potentially an E-Cigarette or a vape – was hurled towards the match officials narrowly missing the targets in the aftermath of a controversial finish to the Knights and Roosters clash.

The offender will face a long ban if they are uncovered as the NRL look into the incident as it clearly represents a danger to the match officials.

The raucous home crowd went into a frenzy as the Knights failed in a last ditched bid to snatch a victory against the Roosters.

Gerard Sutton was the referee for Thursday's game between Newcastle and the Sydney Roosters. Credit: NRL Images.

Experienced referee Gerard Sutton controlled the game and was subjected to a hostile reception as he walked from the field and into the tunnel amid a chorus of boos.

It is common practice for the match officials to have a security escort to their vehicles following games.

Newcastle fans were frustrated after believing they should have been awarded a penalty in the dying stages of the match.

Knights officials were also left bewildered by a number of calls throughout the match.

The NRL confirmed they were aware of the projectile being thrown.

“The NRL is liaising with the venue regarding the matter,” an NRL spokesman said.

Crowd shots from the Newcastle home game against the Sydney Roosters. Credit: NRL Images.

The injury is more about pain management for Ponga with Newcastle confident he will be right to play the Bulldogs next week.

Veteran back-rower Tyson Frizell is getting close to making his return from a hamstring injury but may require one more game off before he makes his comeback.

Meanwhile, the Knights are confident Kalyn Ponga won’t miss any game time despite picking up a hip pointer injury.

The Newcastle superstar limped from the field at halftime after picking up the knock during the opening half. He was treated at the break and finished the match strongly

TRADITIONS SCRAPPED AND CELEBRATIONS MUTED FOR JENNINGS’ 300TH

Michael Jennings marked his 300th game by leading his team out. Flanked by his two young children, Jennings came out of the tunnel first as his club made good on its promise to celebrate his milestone match. He then posed for a photo with his children just before the match started.

Despite plenty of headlines in the lead up to the game there was little fanfare although the ground announcer did make mention of Jennings pre-game.

Michael Jennings of the Roosters walks onto the field with his children for his 300th match. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Other events which usually happen for a 300th game were scrapped. The 30 metre line generally marked with an extra 0 didn’t happen. The usual post-game celebration by NRL boss Andrew Abdo – who usually hands over the game ball – also didn’t eventuate after the governing body opted against the usual recognition of Jennings’ landmark game.

Others though in the game were quick to pay tribute to Jennings. The RLPA posted a congratulatory message on their social media accounts. So too did some of his former teammates including James Maloney, Tim Mannah, Sonny Bill Williams and Dylan Brown.

Jennings played his 299th game last week. Prior to that he hadn’t featured in the NRL since 2020. The usual boos greeted Jennings as part of any away side who enter the field at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Michael Jennings led the Roosters to the field. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

However, his first touch of the ball was also met with boos from the Knights faithful. That occurred whenever he got his hands on the ball.

The grey-haired Jennings had little opportunity with the football. He fumbled the ball with his best attacking chance in the first half.

Instead it was defensively where he saw most of his action. The Roosters left edge faced plenty of pressure from young guns Kai Pearce-Paul and Bradman Best. Best, 13 years younger than his opposite Jennings, enjoyed scoring a try after a backline movement with Jennings failing in a last-ditch attempt to halt the play.

He could’ve scored in the second half if only teammate Victor Radley threw an inside ball to an unmarked Jennings.

Originally published as NRL investigating after vape thrown at referee Gerard Sutton after Sydney Roosters’ 22-20 win over Newcastle Knights