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Stevens helps Wiki fight high-tackle charge
By Steve Mascord
April 20, 20
Jason Stevens has written a statement in support of New Zealand captain Ruben Wiki after the Canberra star yesterday was threatened with a six-week suspension for a high tackle on the Cronulla prop.
The battered Kiwis have already had former skipper Stacey Jones and teenage fullback Karmichael Hunt turn down selection for Friday night's Test against Australia and yesterday fullback David Vaealiki withdrew with a rib cartilage injury.
As Parramatta's Vaealiki was pulling out, the NRL was issuing its charge sheet for round six, which included Wiki's for a grade one reckless high tackle on Stevens on Saturday night. Even an early guilty plea would result in a four-week ban.
The vast majority of high-tackle charges are for the less severe "careless" offences and the Kiwis might have been inclined to say a quiet prayer last night. Help has come in the form of Stevens, a committed Christian.
Sharks chief executive Steve Rogers yesterday said Raiders general manager Don Furner had called to contact Stevens in a bid to ask him to help Wiki.
"I put him in touch with Jason and I understand he has given a statement," Rogers said. "I think Stevo has said he doesn't believe there is any malice in it, that he was falling at the time .
While Wiki's chances of being cleared appear forlorn, Canberra coach Matthew Elliott earlier said the club was confident there were sounds grounds for a challenge.
"This is not about any personal loyalty to Ruben or us wanting him to play Test football," he said. "It is about us believing there is an opportunity there to challenge the charge."
Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson said the severity of the charge against Wiki appeared to be "a tough call".
Stevens helps Wiki fight high-tackle charge
By Steve Mascord
April 20, 20
Jason Stevens has written a statement in support of New Zealand captain Ruben Wiki after the Canberra star yesterday was threatened with a six-week suspension for a high tackle on the Cronulla prop.
The battered Kiwis have already had former skipper Stacey Jones and teenage fullback Karmichael Hunt turn down selection for Friday night's Test against Australia and yesterday fullback David Vaealiki withdrew with a rib cartilage injury.
As Parramatta's Vaealiki was pulling out, the NRL was issuing its charge sheet for round six, which included Wiki's for a grade one reckless high tackle on Stevens on Saturday night. Even an early guilty plea would result in a four-week ban.
The vast majority of high-tackle charges are for the less severe "careless" offences and the Kiwis might have been inclined to say a quiet prayer last night. Help has come in the form of Stevens, a committed Christian.
Sharks chief executive Steve Rogers yesterday said Raiders general manager Don Furner had called to contact Stevens in a bid to ask him to help Wiki.
"I put him in touch with Jason and I understand he has given a statement," Rogers said. "I think Stevo has said he doesn't believe there is any malice in it, that he was falling at the time .
While Wiki's chances of being cleared appear forlorn, Canberra coach Matthew Elliott earlier said the club was confident there were sounds grounds for a challenge.
"This is not about any personal loyalty to Ruben or us wanting him to play Test football," he said. "It is about us believing there is an opportunity there to challenge the charge."
Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson said the severity of the charge against Wiki appeared to be "a tough call".
