KEY POINTS:
Controversy seems to follow Sione Faumuina these days and, once again, he was trying to duck away from it.
However, on Friday night he was the victim, for a change. The former Warriors back-rower, who was sacked after a string of alcohol-related incidents, said he would not pursue an eye gouging claim against Broncos lock Tonie Carroll, saying the incident was "done and dusted". It may not be that simple and is sure to come under scrutiny of the match review committee tomorrow.
Faumuina marked his 100th first grade game by impressing off the bench for North Queensland in the Cowboys' upset 23-16 NRL season-opening win over the Broncos.
He complained in the 32nd minute that Carroll had gouged his eyes in a tackle. But when referee Tim Mander asked if he wanted to make a formal complaint, Faumuina declined.
It wasn't the only incident of an action-packed opening night.
In the same match, Darren Lockyer badly sprained his ankle and was on crutches yesterday, but scans confirmed no bone break in his right ankle. He could be out of action for up to six weeks.
It was a torrid night for new Storm five-eighths Greg Inglis, as well.
Melbourne players felt their superstar was being headhunted during their narrow 18-16 season-opening win over Wests Tigers.
Captain Cameron Smith even lodged an on-field complaint and coach Craig Bellamy said he would scour video of the win to determine whether Inglis had been unduly fouled. It happened often in the trials, he said.
