It was one of the hits of the season: a full-blooded, no-holds-barred stinger that brought the crowd to its feet - and earned the victim a penalty.
But don't feel sorry for Sam Kasiano. At 120-plus kilograms, he can look after himself.
After being shell-shocked into a 22-0 deficit, the Bulldogs had scored twice and were on a roll. Kasiano received the ball for the first hit-up after his team's second try and Roosters forward Kane Evans zeroed in on the giant Bulldogs enforcer.
As often happens in memorable clashes, there was history. A few minutes earlier Evans had caught Canterbury captain James Graham with a high shot and was penalised. As he was leaving the scene, Kasiano had words with Evans and Evans turned defiantly towards Kasiano before thinking better of getting involved in any confrontation.
Instead he saved up his anger for the next time he had a chance to express. That moment came when Kasiano charged forward and Evans collided with him so venomously it got the Bulldog airborne and planted him on his back.
However much the crowd enjoyed the physicality of the moment, the rules don't allow shoulder charges anymore, a penalty was awarded and Evans was put on report.
SHOULDER HIT .. GET THAT INDYA! .. KANE EVANS v SAM KASIANO ... TWO BIG MEN .. KABOOM .. YEEHAA!! .. But we must have a penalty. Too tough!— Phil Gould AM (@Gus10Gould)
July 31, 2015
I'm sitting in the @nthqldcowboys leagues club and the place erupted when Kane Evans put that shot on Kasiano. #greathit #notonreport— Matt Logue (@mattlogue7)
July 31, 2015
Kane Evans with a shoulder charge on Sam Kasiano. WHAT A COLLISION!! #NRLRoostersBulldogs #WhiteRibbonNight— NRL Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs)
July 31, 2015
Simply ridiculous that decision to put that hit on report. @mattlogue7 blowing up deluxe at the Cowboys leagues club— Lee Gaskin (@Lee_Gaskin1)
July 31, 2015
