Parramatta forward Kenny Edwards won't apologise for his uncompromising play style but the rugged back-rower does regret a challenge on prone Brisbane winger Jonus Pearson on Friday night that he admits was "not a good look".
Pearson was clipped high by Nathan Brown as he slipped in the 37th minute; after Pearson hit the turf Edwards drove downwards onto the winger sparking a fracas with players coming from all over the field for a push and shove.
While Brown landed on report for the high shot, Edwards escaped any sanction in the immediate term.
Fans on social media were instantly outraged that Edwards would risk further concussing a player who may have already just suffered a head knock but speaking to NRL.com after the game, Edwards said he had no clue Pearson had already been hit high and if he could have the play over again he would have done things differently.
"I was inside Browny and I rushed up, I didn't see Browny put the high shot in," Edwards said.
Seeing a player bounce out of a tackle on the ground usually means a chance to nail them with a free shot and Edwards said he took that chance not realising Pearson may have been stunned.
"I just saw someone on the ground, I always play hard and I didn't think the tackle was finished and I didn't see the incident until watching it on the replay when I was walking back after the penalty," he said.
"Obviously it's not a good look and if I could have my time again I'd probably wouldn't do that and I hope Jonus is all right. He's a good young player and I hope he's all right. But at the same time I play the game hard."
Brisbane were unimpressed with Edwards immediately after the game.
"That's not a look that the game wants. It's up to the game to do something about it," said Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett, though it remains to be seen if the match review committee finds illegal play warranting a charge out of the incident.
Broncos skipper Darius Boyd agreed it wasn't a good look for the game.
"It's pretty scary if he is concussed that someone's coming down to try and tackle him or hit him again, it's dangerous," Boyd added.
