NRL sensationally amends Nicho Hynes charge to allow Sharks star to play crunch final
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Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes is free to play the first week of NRL finals after head office sensationally downgraded a hip drop charge.
The match review committee on Sunday hit Hynes with a grade two dangerous contact charge, resulting in a one-week ban.
It came after he fell on the back of Bulldogs player Marcelo Montoya's leg during Saturday's clash at Accor Stadium, which the Sharks won 24-6.
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On Monday the NRL announced the MRC had reviewed its decision and changed the charge to grade one, meaning Hynes can escape with a fine and will be available to face the Roosters on Saturday.
The Sharks looked set to challenge the grading at a judiciary hearing on Tuesday night before the MRC got on the front foot and changed its ruling.
Hynes could still contest the grade one charge at the judiciary, but now he is much more likely to accept the sanction and pay the fine.
Marcelo Montoya is tackled by Nicho Hynes. Nine
"The match review committee remains satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to justify a charge for the offence of dangerous contact against Nicho Hynes," an NRL statement on Monday read.
"When initially ascribing a grading to that offence, the MRC considered the contents of a medical report provided by the injured player's club which offered preliminary details as to the nature and extent of the injury.
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"Subsequently, the MRC has received a further report which materially alters the nature and extent of the injury suffered by the player.
"Following due consideration of this Rrport, the MRC has reviewed the charge against Nicho Hynes and in accordance with the judiciary code, has forwarded the player an amended notice of charge for the offence."
Nicho Hynes of Cronulla fends off Reed Mahoney. Getty
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Canterbury's chief doctor submitted an injury report to the NRL on Sunday evening which detailed Montoya's injury, which is less severe than first feared.
The MRC took into account the severity of the injury to Montoya when assessing the grading of the charge handed to Hynes.
While the Bulldogs initially thought Montoya would be unfit to return this season, there is now hope he may yet play finals.
It is a major win for the Sharks, who will host the Roosters on their home turf in the Shire in a must-win elimination final.
