Rugby league fans had champagne to enjoy with their Easter Monday chocolates – and the men behind the hospitality were Daine Laurie and Clint Gutherson.
The electric Wests Tigers youngster and Eels captain engaged in a superlative two-minute duel late in the first half at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium, putting the ice on what had been a sensational contest between the western Sydney rivals.
The battle within the battle began when Laurie tore down the field on the back of a Jackson Hastings high ball in the final two minutes of the half.
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Gutherson defused the bomb just outside the in-goal area and Laurie laid a thumping hit to drive him beyond the try line, forcing a drop-out.
The 22-year-old bounced to his feet and got in Gutherson’s face, firing off some barbs.
“What a tackle! Excellent kick, but Daine Laurie – that is one of the plays of the day… tempers just starting to bubble up,” said Fox League caller Dan Ginnane.
“Hits Gutherson under the ball in a great shot and the little fullback getting stuck into the senior,” added rugby league great Michael Ennis.
But Gutherson, an alpha male of the competition determined for payback, got square with Laurie just two plays later.
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The ball swept through the left edge of the Tigers’ backline and met the hands of winger Ken Maumalo about 10m out, the Eels straining to contain the adventurous play.
But Gutherson planted himself in Maumalo’s path and absorbed all 114kg of the former Warrior – and the ball spilled out.
And rather than letting Maumalo know about it, Gutherson immediately found Laurie, carrying on like an annoying big brother rapt with his vengeance.
“This is good, this is real good,” Ennis said.
“Pipe down, young kid. Just pipe down, he said.”
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