NRL ‘privately worried’ about Origin after wild crowd behaviour

NRL officials are privately worried about the decision to take next year’s State of Origin series to Auckland, after the wild scenes at Eden Park on Sunday.

In some of the worst crowd behaviour seen for several years, referee Ashley Klein and fellow officials were pelted with cans and bottles from angry fans as they left the field following the Warriors’ controversial loss to Newcastle.

Projectiles are thrown at the referees at Eden Park. Twitter

Security was found to be lacking, as at least 50 patrons tossed objects at the ref as he made his way to the tunnel and it’s lucky no one was injured.

Both the NRL and Eden Park officials have launched an investigation into the incident, but it’s obvious security will need to be much tighter before another full house for game two between the Blues and Maroons next year.

The rumours won’t go away that Nathan Cleary’s foot injury is worse than Penrith are letting on as the massive clash with Newcastle gets closer.

I’m even hearing unconfirmed reports that Cleary may have a broken bone in his foot – a fair bit more serious than the stress fracture stories doing the rounds.

There is no way Cleary will miss the sudden-death grand final qualifier, but the big question is how restricted will he be for the Panthers against Newcastle on Sunday.

It’s already a given that he won’t be kicking for goal and may also do less kicking in general play, which is one of the Panthers’ strengths.

“He’s not good, but he’s a tough kid and will just ride it out,” a highly-placed Panthers source told me on Tuesday.

Cleary has shown many times that he can play through pain, but if his movement is restricted or he cops a heavy knock on the foot again, it could end badly.

On the positive, Penrith had a precious weekend off leading into the game and Cleary was given last week off training to give the foot every chance to heal.

The halfback was named in Penrith’s side on Tuesday afternoon.

The Roosters have snatched one of the most promising youngsters in New Zealand rugby for next season and the Kiwi rah-rahs aren’t happy.

Seymour Stowers-Smith, younger brother of Warriors prop Tanner, captained St Andrew’s College to the Kiwi national title in rugby union and appeared to have a bright future in the 15-man code.

But the forward, who has also played in the Roosters pathway system on the Central Coast over the last couple of years, has decided his future lies in league.

The young utility has footy running through his veins – not only is his brother an NRL regular, but his great-grandfather Pat Smith captained the Kiwis in the 1940s.

He may be 46 years old, but Parramatta cult hero Fui Fui Moi Moi is making a comeback – in Masters footy with Widnes in England.

The Tongan-born forward played over 200 games with the Eels from 2004 to 2014, famously starring in the team’s run to the 2009 grand final.

Fuifui Moimoi in action for the Eels. NRL Images

He then moved to the northern hemisphere, where his fearless running game made him a fan favourite at Leigh, Toronto, Workington Town and Rochdale.

Moi Moi also played 21 Tests for the Kiwis and Tonga before a stint in minor league football in England, finally hanging up his boots at the end of 2024.

But the’itch to play again has seen Moi Moi decide to give the game he loves one more crack and he is certain to prove a handful for the ‘oldies’ in the British Masters competition.