Eels star Joe Ofahengaue apologises for inappropriate sideline act

A Parramatta Eels star has issued a personal apology to a reporter after a crude sideline act sparked fierce backlash.

Parramatta Eels prop Joe Ofahengaue has issued an apology in the wake of his crude act on Friday night.

New Eels recruit Zac Lomax was in the middle of a sideline interview with Fox Sports’ Eloise Sohier when Ofahengaue dacked his teammate.

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Vision showed the hulking forward walk past Sohier and Lomax before cheekily turning and sneaking up behind the Eels star.

In one swift move, the 29-year-old bent down and pulled Lomax’s shorts down to his ankles.

You can watch the moment in the video player above.

On Sunday it was reported by The Daily Telegraph that Ofahengaue had personally apologised to Sohier for the incident.

The Eels moved quickly with coach Jason Ryles and club bosses said to be furious over the crude act.

Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos reached out to Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley to express his regret over the incident, according to the report.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Joe Ofahengaue of the Eels looks dejected during the round 25 NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium, on August 23, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

The dacking was narrowly missed on Fox Sports’ live broadcast which would have spelt big trouble given the fact it was only 7.30pm, and families were likely sitting in front of the TV to watch their team in action for the first time in 2025.

Fortunately, Lomax’s white underwear stayed up so he wasn’t completely exposed to the female reporter and the kids in the crowd nearby.

Sohier who was crossing live to the Fox Sports studios remained professional, saying: “As he gets dacked live on television Zac, give it up for Zac Lomax.”

Zac Lomax's Fox Sports sideline interview. Image: Fox Sports

Lomax also continued the interview after pulling his pants up speaking about how coach Jason Ryles has taken the club to the next level.

And while it was almost certain Ofahengaue’s ‘prank’ had no malicious intent and was just meant as a bit of fun, many took to social media to condemn the act.

“This isn’t the best look ffs,” one person wrote on the NRL Roast’s video of the incident on X.

“Ffs this ain’t funny or “cheeky” just embarrassingly dumb,” another added.

“This, in front of a female reporter. Immature and wrong,” a third said.

Originally published as Eels star Joe Ofahengaue apologises for inappropriate sideline act