Biting allegation sours Tigers win

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THE NRL match review committee could be forced to rely on video replays of a biting allegation against Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma after Cronulla forward Wade Graham rejected the opportunity to make a formal complaint to match officials.

The ugly incident — which overshadowed the Tigers gutsy victory and inspired return from injury of captain and NSW Origin hooker Robbie Farah — could still see Nofoaluma cited.

Tigers winger David Nofoaluma has been accused by Cronulla's Wade Graham of biting. Source: FoxSports

The first-half altercation occurred as Graham was penalised for pushing Nofoaluma in the face during a tackle. The Cronulla vice-captain got up blowing up at the referees and Tigers players.

Replays of the incident show Nofaluma's face comes into contact with the Sharks forward, before Graham rises to his feet mouthing the words: 'He bit me.''

The issue will be looked at by the match review committee on Monday and if guilty, Nofoaluma could potentially face a long stint on the sidelines.

Wade Graham reacts after tackling David Nofoaluma. Graham complained to the referee, saying Nofoaluma bit his ear. Source: FoxSports

Canterbury prop James Graham was suspended for 12 weeks for biting Melbourne fullback Billy Slater's ear in the 2012 NRL grand final.

Farah said after the match that he had questioned the young Tigers winger if he had bitten Graham, of which he denied doing so.

"Wade Graham shoved Nofoaluma in the head and we got a penalty and Wadeo was saying that he got bit,'' Farah said.

"I asked Dave and he said he didn't, he was wearing a mouthguard, again I didn't see it so you guys will have to look at that.

"I don't think he (Graham) made an official report, did he?

James Graham bites Billy Slater. Source: Supplied

"There was nothing in it, as far as I was concerned.''

With both Graham and Nofoaluma shielded from the media after the match, Cronulla captain Paul Gallen said he was of the opinion what happened on the field, should stay on the field.

"Wade didn't make a complaint, so there's nothing it as far as I'm concerned,'' Gallen said.

"I thought the penalty was a bit tough on him, it probably shouldn't have been a penalty, but yeah there was nothing in it.''

Given the spiteful manner of which the match was played, there was always the prospect of a drama spilling over from the match as no less than five ex-Tigers players in the Cronulla line-up took on their former club.

Robbie Farah hand a hand in Chris Lawrence's try. Source: News Limited

In the end, the Sharks will spend today wondering how they let slip a 20-10 second-half advantage to allow the Tigers to break a two-game losing run.

The catalyst to the Tigers comeback was Farah, who despite being his first match in a month after suffering an elbow injury was at his scheming best, to enforce two shocking defensive lapses on Cronulla's right-edge which led to two simple tries to Cory Paterson and Chris Lawrence.

"Its satisfying for the players to that grit and other teams might panic, but I thought our players kept composure and knew there was plenty of time on the board,'' Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter said.

Beau Ryan runs the ball for the Sharks Source: News Limited

"Its pleasing that our senior players bound us together. Robbie came up with a couple of real good plays and got us on the front foot with a play that got us back into the game.''

For the Sharks, there season is now on life support, having now recorded just two wins this season and after fielding close to a full-strength side.

Gallen was by far Cronulla's greatest threat, but an all too heavy reliance on their captain was obvious.

Paul Gallen looks on after the Tigers score a try. Source: News Limited

"It's always disappointing to lose, but its tough to take leading by ten with not too long to go,'' Sharp said.

"Defensive errors, you can't dress it up more than that, it was defensive errors and we need to do better.''

WESTS TIGERS 22 (C Lawrence D Nofoaluma C Paterson P Richards tries P Richards 3 goals) bt CRONULLA 20 (P Gallen M Gordon S Tagataese tries M Gordon 4 goals) at Remondis Stadium. Referee: Gavin Morris, Henry Perenara. Crowd: 15,869

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