Aussie commentator apologises for saying Warriors play 'jungle ball'

Tuimoala Lolohea of the Warriors breaks the Raiders defence during the round 20 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the New Zealand Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

Rugby league commentator and former Aussie footy great Steve 'Blocker' Roach has apologised for describing the Warriors' style as playing 'jungle ball' football during their 26-22 loss to the Raiders.

During his stint at the sideline pundit for the round 20 NRL game in Canberra on Saturday night, Roach delivered a backhanded compliment about the Warriors' performance.

"We're used to seeing them playing a bit of jungle ball, when they offload the football at every opportunity. But they've been patient so far and caused a couple of line dropouts."
Roach later apologised for his comment.

Last year fellow Aussie commentator and former Queensland star Billy Moore, came under fire for calling the Warriors' game play "that coconut style, Polynesian sort of football ... throwing it around."

Moore later apologised, saying: "I would like to sincerely apologise to anyone that was offended by my comment regarding the New Zealand Warriors playing style, particularly the Polynesian community - many of whom I played with and am great mates with.

"It was an extremely poor selection of words in my attempt to describe the free-flowing playing style of the Warriors which I deeply regret. "I understand how my comment may have been interpreted, but I would like to stress that it was never my intent to upset or disrespect anyone."