From Foxsports
WESTS Tigers second-rower Mark O'Neill was cleared of serious injury this morning.
The victim of a cold-blooded king-hit from Melbourne's Danny Williams at the weekend, he distanced himself from the ugly incident today, saying he is happy to let "appropriate procedures" take their course.
The 29-year-old said he had no comment to make on the incident, which has shocked rugby league supporters and officials.
"I would like to thank everyone for the concern they have shown me," said O'Neill.
"After further tests this morning I can confirm I have been cleared of any serious injury, and am only disappointed I will miss this weekend's game against the Bulldogs.
"At this stage I have no further comment, and am happy to let the appropriate procedures take their course."
Williams is expected to be charged later today with striking by the NRL's match review committee, with the matter almost certain to be referred straight to the judiciary without a grading.
The veteran Storm hardman can expect a lengthy ban following his blindside blow to the head of O'Neill at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night.
O'Neill, who could also be charged today for a high tackle on Williams which preceded the incident, was knocked out by the punch and played no further part in the match.
A repentant Williams yesterday wrote a letter of apology to O'Neill yesterday expressing his remorse.
"I have written to Mark today to say sorry and that I strongly regret and am ashamed of my actions during last night's match," Williams said in a statement.
"Clearly it was unacceptable, there's no excuse for that kind of behaviour and I deeply regret what took place.
"The whole thing is extremely regrettable.
"It's now in the hands of the judiciary and obviously I will accept whatever penalty they decide to hand down."
WESTS Tigers second-rower Mark O'Neill was cleared of serious injury this morning.
The victim of a cold-blooded king-hit from Melbourne's Danny Williams at the weekend, he distanced himself from the ugly incident today, saying he is happy to let "appropriate procedures" take their course.
The 29-year-old said he had no comment to make on the incident, which has shocked rugby league supporters and officials.
"I would like to thank everyone for the concern they have shown me," said O'Neill.
"After further tests this morning I can confirm I have been cleared of any serious injury, and am only disappointed I will miss this weekend's game against the Bulldogs.
"At this stage I have no further comment, and am happy to let the appropriate procedures take their course."
Williams is expected to be charged later today with striking by the NRL's match review committee, with the matter almost certain to be referred straight to the judiciary without a grading.
The veteran Storm hardman can expect a lengthy ban following his blindside blow to the head of O'Neill at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night.
O'Neill, who could also be charged today for a high tackle on Williams which preceded the incident, was knocked out by the punch and played no further part in the match.
A repentant Williams yesterday wrote a letter of apology to O'Neill yesterday expressing his remorse.
"I have written to Mark today to say sorry and that I strongly regret and am ashamed of my actions during last night's match," Williams said in a statement.
"Clearly it was unacceptable, there's no excuse for that kind of behaviour and I deeply regret what took place.
"The whole thing is extremely regrettable.
"It's now in the hands of the judiciary and obviously I will accept whatever penalty they decide to hand down."
