THIS is the tackle described last night by legendary hitman David Gillespie as "the most brutal in a decade".
Rugged young Tigers back-rower Simon Dwyer, a 21-year-old rookie from Macquarie Fields, ironed out one of rugby league's toughest men, Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, late in regulation time of Saturday night's blockbuster at the SFS.
As debate raged as to whether the hit should have led to a penalty and possibly a suspension, former Bulldogs powerhouse "Cement" Gillespie declared: "That was the best one-on-one tackle I've seen in 10 years. If they ever outlaw tackles like that one I'll stop watching rugby league."
Gillespie added: "I was watching the game enjoying a few beers at a barbecue and it was pretty to watch.
"Fans love those 70m Mark Gasnier tries, but I can assure you they love seeing blokes getting smashed in big hits too. I loved it."
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens put a protective shield around young Dwyer last night, allowing him to discuss the tackle only through a statement issued by the club's media department.
"I don't want to be branded as a hitman after just one good hit," said Dwyer, the club's Toyota Cup player-of-the-year last season. "I am still learning the game and I am just excited to be playing finals footy in such a great team.
"I thought it was just a good hit. It happened so quickly. Jared was charging at me so I just positioned myself for the impact.
"He is a great competitor and we had a few clashes out there. I see Jared has come out and said it was just a good hit and it shows what a decent guy he is."
The NRL match review committee and refs boss Robert Finch Monday ruled the tackle by Dwyer was perfectly legal.
"The referees and the video referee were comfortable with the way it was handled and the judiciary guys agreed," Finch said. "To be honest, I thought it was a good tackle."
Dwyer is now in line to start Friday night's sudden-death semi-final against the Raiders in Canberra because of injury doubts over English forward Gareth Ellis.
