Sandow escapes further penalty for ref sledge

Parramatta halfback Chris Sandow has escaped further sanction for his "how much are they paying you?" sledge to referee Ben Cummins.

Despite being sin-binned for questioning the referee's integrity during Parramatta's 46-20 loss to Melbourne, the Eels playmaker has avoided suspension or fine. Many had expected Sandow may have a case to answer, but his name was missing from the charge sheet released by the NRL match review committee on Monday afternoon after they ruled his sin-binning was sufficient penalty. However, the news was grim for Warriors back Ngani Laumape, who faces a hefty five week suspension for his lifting tackle on Broncos prop Josh McGuire during New Zealand's upset win over Brisbane.Laumape was hit with a grade three dangerous throw charge, carrying a maximum 525 penalty points, which is equivalent to a fivew week ban. The centre can settle for a three week ban if he accepts the early guilty plea.Laumape’s Warriors teammate Matagi Suaia was also hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge for tackling Josh Hoffman in the air after the Brisbane No. 6 kicked the ball.

Suaia can escape suspension with an early guilty plea.