Thaiday unlikely to back Smith: Broncos - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Thaiday unlikely to back Smith: Broncos

24/09/2008 12:59:07 PM Comments (0)

Brisbane say forward Sam Thaiday is unlikely to support Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.

Smith will front the judiciary in a bid to beat a grapple tackle charge and save his season.

Smith faces a two-game ban for unnecessary contact with the head or neck of Thaiday in a tackle during last weekend's NRL semi-final win in Brisbane.

The skipper will miss the Storm's preliminary final against Cronulla on Friday and possibly next week's grand final if found guilty.

There was speculation that the Storm would call on Thaiday - Smith's Queensland State of Origin teammate - to give evidence on the Melbourne captain's behalf.

However, the Broncos said that was unlikely.

"I have no knowledge of it. I really don't think so," a Broncos spokesman said.

Thaiday took exception to Smith's 60th minute tackle in Melbourne's last gasp 16-14 win over the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium last Saturday.

Smith's teammate Jeremy Smith on Tuesday accepted a one-game ban for unnecessary arm pressure on Thaiday in the same tackle and the Storm may argue that contributed to their captain's awkward and ugly actions.

Storm chief executive Brian Waldron said the club would put forward a strong case to defend the Test hooker and hoped to have him cleared to play the Sharks on Friday.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has already made two changes to the side with injured Test forward Ryan Hoffman (ankle) joining Jeremy Smith outside the 17-man squad.

Rookies Aiden Tolman and Scott Anderson were drafted onto the bench with Sika Manu named in the second row.

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