Jarome Luai fined after eye-gouging allegations during State of Origin game two in Perth

Footage from State of Origin Game II showed Luai appearing to make contact with Queensland second-rower Reuben Cotter’s eyes in the 23rd minute, before a melee broke out.

Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga then made a raking action to sideline officials, before Luai was placed on report by referee Ashley Klein.

Luai was charged with a grade two contrary conduct for the act and will be fined 13 per cent of his match fee.

It is the second time Origin drama has surrounded Luai, with he and Reece Walsh both sent off for headbutting each other in Origin II in 2023.

Luai had only been called back into NSW’s squad six days out from the game after Mitch Moses suffered a calf injury that has ruled him out for six weeks.

The five-eighth’s indiscretion was one of several discipline issues for the Blues in the first half as they gave away eight penalties to Queensland’s nil.

In another first half incident put on report, Blues winger Zac Lomax will be fined seven per cent of his match fee for elbowing Queensland forward Trent Loiero.

Lomax was attempting to stand to his feet and play the ball in the 28th minute before throwing his elbow back and connecting with the side of Loiero’s head. 

Loiero was part of the tackle and was lying on top of Lomax before the elbow.