Canberra's Morgan Smithies escapes suspension for deliberate headbutt
Updated . First published
Raiders forward Morgan Smithies escaped suspension for a headbutt on Wests' Fonua Pole in the Raiders' tight 16-12 win over Wests Tigers on Friday night.
Smithies reacted aggressively when Pole caught the prop with a shoulder to the head while trying to complete the tackle with Api Koroisau and Alex Twal.
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Smithies then lashed out towards Pole, connecting with his head. The Tigers prop rose to his feet smiling while his rival exchanged words. The Raiders player was then seen with blood streaming down his face.
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Most fans and observers were expecting Smithies to face time on the sidelines but the NRL match review committee ruled he can play against the Knights next Friday night, handing the forward a $1500 fine for a grade one striking offence.
Morgan Smithies' act on Fonua Pole. Nine
Smithies' Raiders teammate, Hudson Young, has also been charged with a grade one dangerous contact offence and will be fined $1800 with an early guilty plea.
Tigers winger Jeral Skelton's hair pull on Xavier Savage will also cost him $1000 with an early guilty plea.
