NRL backflips on Cameron Munster’s ban after medical report
The NRL’s match review committee has reversed its decision to ban Melbourne‘s Cameron Munster after he was initially handed a one-game suspension for a dangerous tackle on Manly’s Taniela Paseka.
The five-eighth was cited after being the third man in to the tackle, targeting Paseka’s legs to bring him to ground.
Cam Munster was suspended for this tackle around the legs. Fox Sports
The tackle left the prop sore and holding his knee, in clear pain as he let a range of expletives fly.
Paseka was helped from the ground in the aftermath, with Munster coming over to check on him and apologise.
Due to a change in the medical condition of Paseka, the MRC has opted to let Munster play the next round.
“When initially ascribing a grading to Melbourne Storm’s Cameron Munster for the charge of dangerous contact, 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,” the NRL said in a statement.
“Subsequently, the match review committee has received a further report which materially alters the nature and extent of the injury suffered by the player.
“Pursuant to rule 61 of the NRL judiciary code, where further expert or medical information warrants a different grading, the match review committee may authorise the match review manager to amend the grading and issue an amended notice of charge.
“Following due consideration of this report, the match review committee has reviewed the charge against Cameron Munster and, in accordance with the judiciary code, has forwarded the player an amended notice of charge for the offence of dangerous contact (grade one).”
Six other players were charged by the NRL MRC, but all resulted in fines.
Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown was not fined or suspended for a late hit that resulted in a sin bin Melbourne’s 42-20 win over the Sea Eagles on Saturday.
Melbourne has the bye for round 24, before playing Penrith in round 25.
Harry Grant is expected to return in round 25 from a hamstring injury, along with Jack Howarth (shoulder) and Ativalu Lisati (ankle).
