Finch escapes, Laffranchi suspended
AAP
Melbourne playmaker Brett Finch has escaped suspension after entering an early guilty plea following an incident in Monday night's 28-12 NRL win over the Sydney Roosters.
Finch was cited for making dangerous contact with an opponent with his legs or feet in the 13th minute of the match at Gosford's Bluetongue Stadium.
He risked being rubbed out of Monday night's home clash against Canberra if he opted to contest the charge.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast forward Anthony Laffranchi has been suspended for one game after being found guilty of a striking charge.
Laffranchi pleaded not guilty to a grade one striking charge after he used his forearm to the head of Newcastle forward Mark Taufua.
Laffranchi, who played for Australia in last week's Test against New Zealand, will miss the Titans' big Queensland derby clash against Brisbane.
Titans coach John Cartwright says the judiciary is rubbing players out of the game too quickly and needs to stop taking players out for incidents like the one involving Laffranchi.
He says losing Laffranchi is a huge blow and he will check on the fitness of star halfback Scott Prince on Thursday.
Posted:Wed, 13 May 2009 20:11:13
