In a recent incident that has drawn widespread attention, Parramatta Eels forward Joe Ofahengaue has issued a public apology following an inappropriate sideline prank during a live broadcast. The event occurred on Friday night when Ofahengaue pulled down teammate Zac Lomax’s shorts during an interview with Fox Sports reporter Eloise Sohier.
The prank unfolded as Lomax was engaged in a sideline interview with Sohier. Ofahengaue approached from behind and swiftly pulled down Lomax’s shorts. Fortunately, Lomax’s white underwear remained in place, preventing any explicit exposure. The incident was not aired live, as Fox Sports’ broadcast narrowly missed capturing the act, which occurred around 7:30 PM—a time when many families are likely watching.
In the aftermath, Ofahengaue personally apologized to Sohier for his actions. The Eels’ management, including coach Jason Ryles and CEO Jim Sarantinos, expressed their disapproval of the prank. Sarantinos reached out to Fox Sports’ managing director, Steve Crawley, to convey the club’s regret over the incident.
While the prank was likely intended as lighthearted, it has been met with criticism on social media. Many fans and commentators have labeled the behavior as immature and inappropriate, especially given the presence of a female reporter and the family-friendly nature of the broadcast. One social media user commented, “This isn’t the best look,” while another added, “This, in front of a female reporter. Immature and wrong.”
This incident is not the first time the Parramatta Eels have faced scrutiny over player conduct during media interactions. In June 2023, during a mandatory media session, players disrupted interviews by making animal noises from nearby buildings. The NRL’s integrity unit investigated the matter, and team captain Clint Gutherson was asked to intervene to halt the disruptive behavior.
Additionally, in August 2019, Eels forward Shaun Lane was fined $17,500 after a photo from a previous team’s Mad Monday celebration surfaced, showing him holding a bag with an unidentified substance. Lane apologized, acknowledging that his actions had brought the game and the club into disrepute.
The Eels’ management has consistently emphasized the importance of professionalism and respect, both on and off the field. In light of the recent prank, the club is expected to reinforce its code of conduct policies to prevent similar incidents in the future. The NRL and the Eels are likely to review the matter further to determine if any additional actions or sanctions are warranted.
As the Eels prepare for their upcoming matches, the focus will undoubtedly be on restoring the club’s image and ensuring that all players uphold the standards expected of professional athletes. The incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny public figures face and the importance of maintaining decorum, especially during live broadcasts.
