NRL investigates Brisbane 14th player - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

NRL investigates Brisbane 14th player

By Laine Clark 28/03/2004 07:41:38 PM Comments (0)

The NRL will investigate whether Brisbane fielded an extra player in the 32-24 win over the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.

Officials are looking at whether the Broncos used an illegal replacement when reserve Corey Parker came on for an injured Shane Webcke midway through the second half and just a minute later scored a try that locked up the match at 18-18 in a major turning point.

There was a question mark over whether Webcke had left the field before Parker came on and a few plays later crashed over for the crucial try in the 60th minute.

A weary Webcke took his time to leave the field after receiving treatment for a 59th tackle by Tigers prop Bryce Gibbs who was placed on report for the high shot.

NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said: "Yes, we are investigating an interchange that led to the scores being 18-18.

"We are getting reports from interchange officials and spoken to both clubs. We are reviewing the incident on video tomorrow.

"Under NRL rules for breaches on interchange laws there are a variety of penalties starting at fines and going up to the loss of premiership points."

Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen said it would be an "absolute disgrace" if the Broncos lost competition points after notching their first away win since July last year.

"There are three major issues here. One that a Wests Tigers player was able to stay on the field, two that the referee started the game before Shane Webcke crossed the sideline and three, he (Webcke) was in Disneyland and still is," he said.

"It's a rare and unusual circumstance. I am still disappointed that no one has contacted me from the NRL.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news