'Someone's got to pay' for one-punch attack: Parahi

Wed, Apr 4, 2018, 12:46 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Jesse Parahi wants justice for James Stannard. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

New acting Aussie Sevens captain Jesse Parahi wants the man who hit James Stannard ‘to pay’, as the side prepares for the Commonwealth Games.

Stannard was discharged from hospital on Sunday morning after a one-punch attack left him with a fractured skull, and spoke to media on Monday about his hopes for a full recovery.

Parahi said he hoped there was justice done, with the team still reeling from what happened.

“There's definitely a lot of anger,” he said.

“It just shouldn't happen.


“We see it on the news, it's pumped out all the time.

“It's just the worst thing that could possibly happen.

“No one-punch should be treated any differently but hopefully because Chuck is who he is and he's the bloke that he is, people will make an example of this and someone's got to pay for it, I think.”

Parahi said the fire in the team wouldn’t affect their focus for the Commonwealth Games.

“It won't change how we play, it'll just give us a little bit of extra determination to do it,” he said.

“The boys are a bunch of level-headed blokes and they'll do the right thing when they get out there.

“Emotion's part of the game but we won't let that get to our heads, we'll go out there and do Australia proud.”

Coach Andy Friend said anger was replaced by heartbreak for Stannard.

“I think Chucky summed it up the other day, in his word of 'heartbreak',” he said.

“I think everyone's heartbroken for Chucky  - it's just a cruel blow to get to this stage in what would've been his third Commonwealth Games to not be out there. We're disappointed for Chucky.

“There's not anger, it's just making sure that he's okay in care and then for us to make sure we go out and another reason for us to get that gold medal.”

Nathan Grey helped the Aussie Sevens. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyStannard spoke of his determination to make a comeback in July’s Sevens World Cup, something Parahi was holding out hope for, after playing with Stannard in their friendly series against New Zealand last week.

“I had a quick chat to him on the phone and to think that playing against the Kiwis was going to be the last game I'd ever play with him, was just too much to take at the time,” he said.

“I got into his ear a little bit and hopefully gee him up to get ready for the World Cup in San Fran in a few months' time.”

The Aussie men head to the Gold Coast in a week’s time, staying in Sydney until just two days before the competition.

Wallabies defence coach Nathan Grey led part of Australia’s session on Wednesday, helping to hone the team’s defence, something Friend said the team had embraced.

“It's fantastic to have Wallaby coaching staff coming out and lending a hand with us," he said.

"We've had Mick Byrne out previously too and to have Greysy's energy and expertise, just adds a bit more value to the boys and their ownership and their standing within Australian rugby.

“Great to have Greysy there and I know defence is a big part of our game and when we win that medal, that's what we're going to back it on is our defence.”

The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games kick off on Thursday April 5, with the men's Sevens kicking off on Saturday April 14. 

Share
Test backrow battle looms large ahead of QLD-ACT double header in Brisbane
Super Rugby Pacific 2024 TOTW: Looking at the best Australian performers from Round Five
Force bolster lock stocks with signing of former Wallaby Sam Carter
Winless Crusaders could 'spiral uncontrollably': coach