Outspoken Manly forward Anthony Watmough has ensured tensions between his club and the Wests Tigers remain at an all-time high, suggesting hooker Robbie Farah needs a brain scan if he was genuinely hurt by Steve Matai's high shot on Sunday.
The fiery Manly centre was placed on report following the tackle but was ruled not to have a case to answer after the NRL match review committee viewed the incident on Monday.
Manly was leading 18-8 at the time and went on to record a comprehensive 38-20 victory.
The Sea Eagles privately believe Farah stayed down to milk a penalty, with Watmough telling Sky Sports Radio: "I didn't think there was too much in it but I asked him (Farah) after the game and he said he was pretty rattled from it."
"Geez, he might have to go get some brain scans if he's rattled by that because he might have a few problems there … it looked like it only clipped him."
Matai further incensed the Tigers camp by slapping Farah on the back as the Tigers captain got to his feet after receiving medical attention.
That produced another blow-up between the teams, who have a long hatred, and resulted in the Kiwi international being banished to the sin bin.
But Watmough was full of praise for Matai, who plays the game on the edge.
"I'll go in for his defence here. I don't think he did a thing wrong." Watmough said
"If he'd done anything wrong he would've clipped (Farah) on the chin again but he didn't."
"He went over and patted him on the back and said 'you've got another bigger hit coming, so get ready for it'."
"He plays it nice and tough and I'll back the guy up any day of the week."
"I love him to death. He's a great footballer, he's a great competitor and it's part of footy."
"The fans love to see it. Everyone loves to see it."
Coach Des Hasler taunted the Tigers by suggesting he would have asked for them to provide Farah as a witness had the incident resulted in a trip to the judiciary for Matai.
The tough centre felt vindicated by the match review committee's decision.
"There was nothing in the incident and I'm glad they saw it that way," Matai said.