Eels win amid biting claim
August 3, 2007 - 9:58PM
Bulldogs 22 Eels 34
Parramatta withstood a thrilling Bulldogs fightback tonight to move a step closer to securing an NRL home final with a 34-22 victory, but it was overshadowed by a stunning biting accusation aimed at Dogs backrower Brad Morrin.
Morrin was put on report just before halftime when rugby union-bound Eels centre Timana Tahu made an official complaint to referee Sean Hampstead as he pointed to a mark on his arm.
It took the gloss off a magnificent game of rugby league at Telstra Stadium as the Bulldogs never gave up, Eels winger Krisnan Inu finally sealing the result with a try just before fulltime for a six tries to four win.
Asked a number of times if he wanted to make his accusation official, Tahu left Hampstead, Morrin and the live television audience in little doubt as he approached the referee.
"You f**king bit me you dog," Tahu was heard to say over the effects microphone.
He told the Nine Network after the match: "It was just a normal tackle and I felt a sting go on my arm.
"He bit me, I retaliated and got (penalised) for it.
"I was pretty upset and a bit angry but I had to get on with the game.
"It was a bite so what happens during the week happens."
Replays indicated the Bulldogs backrower could have a case to answer at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night, former Cronulla forward Chris Beattie the last player banned for bitting when he was given two weeks on the sideline in 2001.
The Bulldogs staged an amazing comeback after Inu had looked to have put the game beyond doubt with a penalty goal for a 24-10 lead after 55 minutes.
Cameron Phelps scored his second of the night three minutes later to put the home side back in the hunt but the Bulldogs looked to be dead and buried when Tahu went over out wide after a pair of long balls from Brett Finch and Tim Smith.
Again the Bulldogs came back via centre Daryl Millard and it looked like Sonny Bill Williams would be the hero for the second week in a row when he stripped Eric Grothe in his own in-goal, but the Kiwi backrower was denied for propelling the ball forward before touching down.
Inu finally sealed the win when he chip and chased for the corner - the Kiwi international tip toeing along the sideline as he ducked in to complete a personal haul of 14 points.
The Eels had made a flying start after the Bulldogs let the kick-off dribble over the sideline, powerful prop Fuifui Moimoi powering over on the second tackle of the match.
The visitors were beating the clock when Eric Grothe reeled in a ball that was floating over the sideline before stepping his way over for a 12-0 lead after eight minutes.
Williams single handedly dragged his side back into the contest when he carried three Eels defenders over the line but it was all two easy as Parramatta lock Chad Robinson ran straight through the heart of the Bulldogs defence for an 18-6 lead.
Again the Bulldogs surged, Willie Tonga drawing three defenders before flicking a ball out for an unmarked Phelps to put the ball over just inside the corner post.
AAP
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhq...id-biting-claim/2007/08/03/1185648149800.html
