Smith accepts two NRL match ban - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Smith accepts two NRL match ban

By Laine Clark 18/04/2005 07:27:09 PM Comments (0)

Panic wasn't an option for Canberra coach Matthew Elliott despite his playmaker Jason Smith copping a two match NRL ban.

And the Sydney Roosters were all smiles after forward Adrian Morley was found to have no case to answer despite being sent off for a high tackle in their 29-16 win in the grand final re-match against the Bulldogs on Friday night.

Former Queensland pivot Smith has been the star of Canberra's unlikely run up the NRL ladder, creating an Origin buzz as the Raiders began the year with four straight wins.

But Canberra came crashing back to earth after Smith took an early plea for a grade two dangerous throw on Manly's Anthony Watmough barely 24 hours after suffering their first loss of 2005.

Smith faced a three-week suspension if found guilty.

Although smarting from the 36-14 loss, Elliott wasn't fazed by Smith's suspension from clashes against Melbourne and Newcastle.

Elliott also allayed fears that Smith had suffered a serious sternum injury.

"He's fine but he'll be suspended for two weeks anyway - we'll take the early plea," he said.

"I think there's been some other things that have been going alright for us too (besides Smith) - we've got plenty of options like Todd Carney and Terry Campese."

The Canberra coach was undecided on whether his skipper Simon Woolford would take an early plea after he was charged with a grade one careless high tackle.

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