http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25777461-5006066,00.html
ST GEORGE Illawarra star Jamie Soward has been sensationally investigated by the NRL for an alleged bite on Manly hooker Matt Ballin during Sunday's match in Wollongong. The in-form Soward repeatedly apologised to Ballin on the field, claiming he could not breath. But as these images (right) reveal, Soward's nose was not smothered at the time of the alleged incident.
The NRL match review committee viewed Channel 9 footage of the incident yesterday but needed confirmation of the bite by Ballin to charge Soward. Ballin refused to answer any questions on the drama, and Soward escaping a serious contrary conduct charge.
The Manly hooker could not be contacted last night but club officials claim he lives by the "what happens on the field, stays on the field'' philosophy. It was alleged Soward bit Ballin's arm in the 62nd minute of Sunday's match at WIN Stadium.
The NRL is reluctant to charge a player with biting if the bitten player does not confirm the incident. "We picked up an incident during our review where the two players came together,'' said NRL match review committee chairman Greg McCallum.
"Matt Ballin lifted his arm and looked at it. We felt it was worthy enough to be investigated and we did that. We spoke to the Manly club to find out why Matt reacted the way he did. The club nor the player had any further comment to make.''
Soward's mobile phone number was diverting to voicemail last night, as was the phone of Dragons chief exeutive Peter Doust. Ballin did not make an on-field complaint.
Manly coach Des Hasler last night refused to confirm or deny the incident. "There will be no comment from the club,'' Hasler said.
Manly players were aware of the incident during and after the game. McCallum gave reasons why Soward avoided being charged. "We considered all the evidence before us and in the absence of a complaint from Ballin, the evidence was not strong enough to support a charge,'' McCallum said.
"No-one says he bit him and there was no allegation but there was an incident on tape and we carried out an investigation. There was no charge in the end. Because there was no charge, we did not contact the Dragons club.''
Soward has been the form player of the NRL, scoring 20 points in the Dragons' 48-18 win over Manly at WIN Stadium. He was again man of the match, scoring a try, having a hand in two try assists and kicking eight goals.
"The incident was reviewed on video and other inquiries were made by the committee,'' confirmed NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley. "But the committee ultimately decided there was not enough evidence to proceed with a charge.''
Soward had been touted as a possible State of Origin player this season after impressing with a sparkling and running game. He is among the form players of the competition and a key reason why St George Illawarra is leading the Telstra Premiership table.
