Cory Paix Avoids Charges After Tackle Leads to Severe Injury
Cory Paix, the hooker for the Brisbane Broncos, has escaped any disciplinary action following a tackle that resulted in a serious leg injury for Manly forward Siua Taukeiaho. The incident occurred during Manly’s 32-4 victory over Brisbane, where Taukeiaho suffered a double break of the tibia and fibula while attempting to score a try.
The injury was so severe that Taukeiaho had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. He was given the green whistle to manage the pain, and play was halted for several minutes. The Sea Eagles have since confirmed that the 34-year-old will miss several months and may not return for the rest of the season. With no contract secured for 2027, there are concerns that this injury could end his career.
Social Media Reaction and Debate
The tackle sparked immediate debate on social media, with many questioning whether it constituted an illegal hip-drop. Paix grabbed Taukeiaho around the waist from the side and then dropped his body weight to bring him to the ground. Despite the controversy, Paix was not penalized or placed on report. The match review committee concluded that he had no case to answer.
One fan wrote: “How’s that not penalised at all?” Another commented: “Worse than any hip drop and I’m pretty sure he’s not even on report for that.” A third added: “Something has to change with tackling techniques. Human bodies can’t withstand being pulled different ways by 100kg men.”
While some fans called for a ban on Paix, others defended him, arguing that the tackle was not a hip-drop and was simply an accident. This sentiment mirrors the reaction to Josh Addo-Carr’s tackle on Tom Dearden, which also resulted in a serious ankle injury but went unpunished.
Manly Coach Supports Taukeiaho
Manly coach Kieran Foran expressed his disappointment after the game, stating: “Devastating for Siua, it’s a pretty bad break from all reports chatting to our doctor. It’s a double break of the leg, the tibia and fibula on that lower leg.”
Foran praised Taukeiaho for his contributions to the team, saying: “I can’t give him a big enough wrap for the job he has done for us at this part of the season. It’s not over for Siua, he is a true professional and get the job done and come back sooner than expected. Hopefully he is back before the end of the season.”
Commentary and Reactions
Dan Ginnane, commentator for Fox League, noted: “He’s been a wonderful player. You don’t want to draw too harsh a conclusion but at his age and his contract, this is obviously a serious injury. If that is the end, what a way to go out – scoring a try, putting your body on the line.”
Meanwhile, other players faced consequences for their actions in recent matches. Brandon Wakeham, Manly’s hooker, received a one-game ban for a high tackle on Ben Talty. Preston Riki, Tom Hazleton, Jesse Colquhoun, and Cam McInnes were each fined for incidents in Saturday’s games.
