Security guards deliver a heavy blow as Roosters star Billy Smith celebrates a vital effort to clinch victory over Rabbitohs ahead of the NRL final
- Billy Smith was thrilled after a crucial try against Rabbitohs
- Security guard was in the line of fire at the Accor Stadium on Friday
- South Sydney fans called out the Roosters center on social media
Roosters star Billy Smith has been portrayed as a thug by Rabbitohs supporters online after his animated post-try celebration involving a security guard on Friday night.
Smith, 23, found the line in the 69th minute to seal a victory against his team’s bitter rivals – and was in the mood to celebrate.
The elated center appeared to want to throw de Steeden to the crowd at the Accor Stadium after his impressive solo effort, but instead threw the ball directly into the chest of the guard, who looked visibly angry.
It is not known whether the Tricolors youngster reached out to say sorry, either on the pitch or after the game – and South Sydney supporters were quick to condemn what happened.
“How do you do that without apologizing,” one fan asked.
Roosters star Billy Smith (pictured) has been portrayed as a thug by Rabbitohs supporters online after his animated post-try celebration on Friday that involved a security guard
Smith’s dazzling effort late in the second half secured an impressive win and ended South Sydney final hopes
Another said, “Rooster players don’t practice humility.”
A third said, “Roosters are grubs.”
On the field, Trent Robinson’s men continued their purple form leading up to the final.
While a top eight spot is not yet guaranteed as the Cowboys and Raiders have yet to play this weekend, it was an impressive win as key players Daniel Tupou and Joey Manu were injured and prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was suspended.
“We play a lot of golf and cricket in this country and the more you want to hit the ball straight, the tighter you grip,” Robinson said at the press conference.
‘That does not always work. I feel like we just needed to loosen the grip a bit and swing a bit more freely.
“We have always felt our season is not finished yet, despite the autopsies that have already been written about us.’