State of Origin 2020: Jai Arrow slammed for James Tedesco hit

Queensland forward Jai Arrow has been blasted by NRL fans and commentators after slamming a clearly concussed James Tedesco on the ground in the Origin decider.

Maroons interchange forward Jai Arrow has been labelled a “grub” after lifting a hapless James Tedesco off the ground while the Blues skipper lay concussed on the Suncorp Stadium turf.

The Blues fullback was making a kick return when he slipped and collided with the accidental knee of Maroons prop Josh Papalii, forcing the ball free. Shortly after the incident South Sydney bound Arrow lifted Tedesco slightly up from the ground and then shoved him back onto the surface.

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Jai Arrow and James Tedesco

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Tedesco laid motionless on the turf until he was cared for by Blues medical staff midway through the opening half. He needed assistance coming from the field.

Immortal Andrew Johns blasted Arrow for his dangerous actions.

“No need for that carry on from Jai Arrow,” Johns said on Channel 9. “That’s not needed the extra (shove). The game is hard enough as it is without that rubbish coming into play.”

Nasty 😬#NRL #Origin pic.twitter.com/aLY54d3APU

— Roast (@thenrlroast) November 18, 2020

After realising how severely concussed Tedesco was, Arrow expressed concern and immediately called for assistance. A host of Maroons players also surrounded the NSW captain showing fears for his safety as play stopped with Queensland just metres from the Blues’ try-line.

The incident prompted a range of online vitriol from fans and players alike. Ex-Blues prop Keith Galloway called Arrow a “grub” on twitter while Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend tweeted “Jai Arrow surely a target on him now.”

Jai Arrow, what a grub

— Keith Galloway (@kgalloway85) November 18, 2020

Arrorw’s actions were similar to that of former Blues prop Justin Poore who leant over a clearly concussed Steve Price before dropping the player back onto the ground at the same venue in 2009. That incident sparked wild scenes.

Arrow will now face a potential charge from the NRL judiciary on Thursday morning. He could be hit with a contrary conduct charge which carries a $1500 fine for a grade one offence or two or three games for a grade two or three charge respectively. Any suspension will delay his debut for his new club next year.

Tedescor was helped after the field after suffering a nasty head knock. Picture: Getty Images.

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Tedesco was ruled out for the rest of the game because of concussion. Clint Gutherson was pushed to fullback from centre and young half Nathan Cleary given the captaincy. The Blues would have regretted not picking Ryan Papenhuyzen on the interchange bench after toying with the idea but instead relegated the Storm dynamo to 18th man. Utility Isaah Yeo was moved into the centres.

The Blues lost Tedesco’s NSW teammate Boyd Cordner for the rest of the series after a game one head knock and there are now serious fears for Cordner’s playing future.

That was a revolting move from Jai Arrow. #Origin

— Jessica Halloran (@JessiHalloran) November 18, 2020

Jai Arrow that is absolutely foul. #Origin

— Pam Whaley (@PamelaWhaley) November 18, 2020

Yo Jai Arrow what’s GOOD. 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼 #Origin pic.twitter.com/xhzrxBnMYE

— Eliza Barr (@ElizaJBarr) November 18, 2020

Originally published as State of Origin 2020: Jai Arrow slammed for James Tedesco hit