Wests Tigers Josh Reynolds and Souths Latrell Mitchell heated clash after accidental head kick

Latrell Mitchell and Josh Reynolds clashed in an ugly altercation after the Tigers star’s stray boot collected a rival in the head.

Latrell and Reynolds get into it.

Josh Reynolds has escaped with being put on report after an accidental kick to the head in the early stages of the clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers.

But the Rabbitohs hurt the Tigers on the scoreboard with an 18-10 win at Bankwest Stadium.

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With the Rabbitohs attacking the line, an intercept from David Nofoaluma looked like the Tigers flyer was on his way to the tryline if he’d been able to take the ball cleanly. But the ball came loose and Campbell Graham picked up the Steeden.

As he went to pick it up, Reynolds tried to toe the ball forward but missed and kicked Graham in the face.

Mitchell didn’t take too kindly to the move, charging in with a swinging arm and throwing Reynolds to the ground as players from both sides came rushing in.

Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane called it a “dog’s breakfast”.

Mitchell and Reynolds traded verbal barbs jawing at each other. On-field microphones caught Reynolds saying: “You think I meant it, d***head? Wake up to yourself, f***wit.”

Reynolds accidentally kicked Cameron Murray

Ginnane said the “kicking motion would be the issue”.

“Josh Reynolds has a short fuse as it is and now he’s woken Latrell up,” the commentator added.

When Reynolds was placed on report by referee Ben Cummins, Bulldogs legend Michael Ennis told Fox League: “I think it was the right call, I don’t think there was any malice in it.”

On Channel 9, Phil Gould said “never at any time did he intend to kick him there, he just mistimed his kick on the ball, but it will be deemed dangerous and South Sydney will end up with a penalty”.

Andrew Johns said “there was no need for it” after the knock on.

Souths half Adam Reynolds was shocked that his Tigers namesake could stay on the field after the incident.

But commentators were just as shocked that Mitchell didn’t get in any trouble as he hit Reynolds before throwing him to the ground.

“He can’t react like that. He’s probably lucky to stay on the field and might find himself in some trouble,” Braith Anasta said at halftime.

Roosters and Storm champion Cooper Cronk agreed that both men might be in a bit of hot water.

“I reckon the judiciary will look at both incidents because you can’t kick even if it’s an accident and you can’t retaliate like Latrell did,” Cronk added.

Of course, social media was quick to react.

Murray off side for me ..Replays are up and Souths challenge on back of it (don’t think that’s right) .... Latrell swinging arm ignored 🤔🤔this game is wierd #NRLSouthsTigers

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) July 10, 2020

I just saw a man kick someone in the head like he's Randy Orton and he's not been sent off. Just incredible #NRLSouthsTigers

— Matt Bungard (@TheMattBungard) July 10, 2020

Kick in the head and only on report? #NRLSouthsTigers pic.twitter.com/obsXi28Zcj

— matt (@mattencarnacion) July 10, 2020

So Josh Reynolds kicks Campbell Graham in the head and stays on the field - but Graham has to go off for a HIA. Sounds fair. #NRLSouthsTigers @SSFCRABBITOHS

— Stephen Fenech (@StephenFenech) July 10, 2020

I reckon Latrell might be in a spot of bother for Reynolds reaction #NRLSouthsTigers

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) July 10, 2020

If J.Reynolds gets time for that accidental kick it’s unfortunate, although could be hard to argue.

But if BJ Leilua got 4 weeks for his cheap shot on Edwards, Latrell deserves the same. Forceful swinging arm off the ball to an opponent unaware. Lucky to still be on the field.

— Michael Chammas (@MichaelChammas) July 10, 2020

The Rabbitohs made the Tigers pay on the scoreboard, kicking a penalty goal before finally crossing for a try in the 32nd minute through Dane Gagai.

Gagai continued to a hat-trick as Souths opened up an 18-0 lead in the 58th minute but the Tigers came back strongly with two four-pointers in the 63rd and 68th minute to make it an eight-point ball game.

But the first try came off a penalty after Mitchell found himself in another ugly situation after a high shot as the last line of defence as Luke Garner cut through the Rabbitohs line.

Reynolds quickly found himself around the play, adding “you f***ing idiot”.

Apparently Reynolds never forgets.

The Rabbitohs held on however, leapfrogging the Tigers on the ladder in the process.

And the pair left it all on the field, coming together with a cuddle after full-time.

Latrell goes high and gets himself on report.