Tough Newcastle Forward Says Tourists Should Cop It Sweet
Newcastle Herald
Thursday October 26, 2006
NEWCASTLE Rugby League player Peter Jensen believes his 15 seconds of fame should be over, but players and officials are still talking about his stoush with Great Britain skipper Jamie Peacock.
The tough Cessnock forward and Peacock were both sent to the sin-bin for fighting in the dying stages of Friday night's game at EnergyAustralia Stadium.It was the second time the Goannas second-rower was involved in a fight that resulted in a brawl.The other was just after the half-time siren sounded, when Lakes United player-coach Ian Bourke and Lions prop Paul Wood were both given 10 minutes in the bin.Great Britain coach Brian Noble said after the game he expected a few rough tactics from the locals but added that was all part of the game.Several Great Britain players have since been vocal about Jensen's attitude, but he just wants to let it rest."They are the big boys and we are only the small fish, and I can't believe they are still carrying on about it," Jensen said."It was a good, tough game that got a bit fiery, but that's just football and it happens from time to time."They are full-time professionals and we were just a bunch of local blokes having a go, and they really should just get over it."The Great Britain players refused to swap jumpers with Jensen after the match because of his display, but commentators have since agreed that Peacock was lucky not to be sent off. The Lions skipper and front-rower charged into the final fight from at least 10 metres away and ignited the brawl."I reckon he should've been sent off, but that's not what I wanted to see because they've got games to play in the Tri-Nations," Jensen said."It was just the heat of the battle and tempers flare, but there was no malice or dirty play."
© 2006 Newcastle Herald