Jack Wighton escapes sanction for controversial try-saver as two teammates cop bans
Updated . First published
Jack Wighton has escaped sanction having been put on report for a hip drop in a try-saving tackle in the Rabbitohs' 24-16 loss to the Cowboys.
But the news isn't as good for two of his teammates, with Jayden Sullivan and Sean Keppie both offered bans by the match review committee.
Keppie was hit with a grade two careless high tackle charge and faces a week on the sidelines for his hit on Scott Drinkwater that saw the Rabbitohs prop binned, while Sullivan was charged with grade two dangerous contact on Tom Dearden.
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Both men will serve an extra week if they fight the charge at the judiciary and lose.
Sean Keppie has been offered a one-match ban for a high shot on Scott Drinkwater. Getty
Wighton was initially put on report performing a brilliant try-saver on Drinkwater who looked certain to score before Wighton tackled him from behind and dislodged the ball.
The Cowboys celebrated the tackle and were preparing for a restart before the Bunker intervened over a minute later.
Steve 'Blocker' Roach wasn't impressed.
"What's he supposed to do there?," he said on Fox League.
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Jack Wighton's tackle on Scott Drinkwater. Fox League
Caller Dan Ginnane added: "I think there'll be a lot of sympathy there".
The call undid Wighton's hard work, as the Sam McIntyre would score in the following set to draw the Cowboys level.
With Latrell Mitchell moved to five-eighth, he had the first try assist when Euan Aitken scored first in the 21st minute.
By half time though, the Cowboys had a 6-4 lead after Murray Taulagi's try and a penalty goal to Drinkwater earlier.
The North Queensland fullback wasn't impressed at the break though.
"That was terrible," he said.
"We've made so many errors in our sets. We haven't been on the money.
"It's good that we are in the lead but we are flat."
The second half didn't start well as Jai Arrow gave South Sydney the lead. North Queensland hit back after a grubber from Reece Robson put McIntyre over.
Jaxon Purdue scored twice in the space of six minutes to all but seal the victory.
