Sharks pair escape suspension
February 9, 2004
CRONULLA forwards Andrew Lomu and Danny Nutley have escaped suspension after being placed on report for a dangerous tackle in a trial rugby league game in Gosford on Saturday.
Referee Matt Cecchin placed Lomu and Nutley on report for the tackle, which occurred in the second quarter of the game played in quarters against four separate Central Coast sides.
It was feared the pair could be suspended and miss the start of the new NRL season as players can be cited in any match sanctioned by the NRL, including trials.
But former Test referee Greg McCallum, in his debut case in his new role of match review coordinator under the NRL's revamped judiciary system, ruled no further action was required.
"Erina player in possession is lifted by Sharks players Danny Nutley and Andrew Lomu," McCallum explained in a statement.
"However, the single camera coverage obscures much of the detail of the tackle, including the position of the tacklers hands, the degree of lifting involved and the extent of involvement of either player.
"The Erina player appears to land on his back without his head or neck absorbing significant impact."
