Hodges to fight NRL judiciary charge - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Hodges to fight NRL judiciary charge

05/08/2008 06:09:05 PM Comments (0)

Brisbane could use photographic evidence of a high profile player manhandling a leading referee to defend centre Justin Hodges against a contrary conduct charge.

While the Gold Coast opted to cop a one week suspension for dual international Mat Rogers, Brisbane take a not guilty plea to the judiciary.

Hodges appeared to give Archer an "up yours" salute during the game against Canberra which went unnoticed on the day, only to be picked up by the NRL's match review committee.

What will weigh heavily against Hodges is the danger a not guilty verdict by the judiciary could lead to an increase in players gesturing to referees.

Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen refused to reveal details of Hodges's defence.

But it's believed it will involve presenting the judiciary panel with other incidents involving players and referees.

A Sydney newspaper published a picture of Cronulla captain Paul Gallen tugging at referee Shayne Hayne's jumper which Brisbane could submit as part of their defence.

"We don't want to lay out our cards before the hearing," Cullen told AAP.

"Hodgo was very keen for us to defend it and so is the club."

Meanwhile disappointed Titans managing director Michael Searle said it was futile for the club to go before the judiciary for Rogers when rules prevented it from using similar tackles as part of its defence case.

"It just seems futile trying to argue why the tackle was a grade one without being able to use similar tackles to highlight our point," Searle told AAP.

"We can't argue that, so we may as well talk to the wall."

Searle said losing Rogers, even for one match, made it difficult for the club which was locked in a dog fight with four others - including Monday night's rivals - for the eighth spot in the finals.

"We seem to be coping it every way we turn at the moment but we're not making excuses.

"We get (Mark) Minichiello and Friendy (Nathan Friend) back which is good.

"What we lose is some strike power with Mat Rogers but we just have to get on with the job like we always do."

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