Storm, Sea Eagles fined over brawl

The NRL have slapped Manly and Melbourne each with a $50,000 fine following Friday night’s mass brawl at Brookvale Oval.

In addition, the NRL match review committee has hit ten players – five from each side – with several grades of contrary or detrimental conduct charges.

The incident happened miday through the first half of the Manly’s 18-4 victory over the Melbourne, after a bust-up between Sea Eagles forward Darcy Lussick and Storm utility Ryan Hinchcliffe.

Both Glenn Stewart and Adam Blair were sin-binned for their part in the melee, but started trading punches before either could leave the field.

That sparked a reaction from both teams – including both benches – resulting in a huge brawl.

Both Stewart and Blair have both been referred straight to the NRL judiciary – meaning both are unlikely to escape without hefty bans.

Both players have expressed regret at their actions – but that is unlikely to see them miss a number of weeks.

“We need to remind everyone that the episode we saw on Friday night is wrong both for the behaviour in itself and for the image of the game,” NRL Chief Executive David Gallop, said today.

“There are many fans, families and commercial partners who will simply walk away unless we send a clear message that what occurred will not be tolerated.”

Blair and Stewart will learn of their fate at a judiciary hearing on Wednesday evening.