NRL judiciary clears Bulldogs, Storm - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

NRL judiciary clears Bulldogs, Storm

By Adrian Proszenko 17/07/2006 03:47:08 PM Comments (0)

Sonny Bill Williams is free to play in Saturday's clash against Sydney Roosters after the Bulldogs superstar escaped censure from the NRL match review committee.

The decision is a huge relief for the premiership favourites, after Williams and Reni Maitua were placed on report for a lifting tackle on St George Illawarra winger Colin Best in his side's 22-16 win at Oki Jubilee Stadium.

Williams was thought to be in more danger of being cited than his teammate, with replays suggesting he lifted Best's leg in the tackle.

But, having seen replays of the incident, Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes was convinced the Kiwi international had no case to answer - and his confidence was justified by the match review committee.

"I thought at the time, and I wasn't sure because I hadn't seen the replays, but having watched it a few times over the weekend, (Best) certainly didn't get past the horizontal," Folkes said.

"I don't think there was any danger in landing on his head or neck."

Ladder leaders Melbourne Storm were also cleared of wrongdoing despite grapple tackle allegations during their controversial 22-16 win over Newcastle.

Storm CEO Brian Waldron said the fact his players weren't cited suggested the accusations were off the mark.

"We don't need to deny anything," Waldron said.

"Every week we are on public show for the NRL officialdom to judge us and they judge us accordingly.

"If we continue to play within the rules it will be indicated by the management put before the judiciary and if we don't it will be exactly the same.

"We don't need to worry about what anyone says except for (match review commissioner) Greg McCallum and his people."

So there are no charges from round 19 of NRL action.

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