South Sydney star Jack Wighton is set to escape a ban for a hip drop tackle with NRL head of football Graham Annesley saying he didn’t believe the veteran centre had a case to answer.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo would not comment specifically on the incident on Jacob Preston from Wighton, forcing an error on attack in the first half of the Rabbitohs’ tense 20-16 triumph on Good Friday.
But he made a point to say Preston had finished the game with an ankle injury, but despite being clearly unimpressed with the tackle, he would not discuss the legality of the hit.
Preston was sin-binned in the Good Friday clash last year for a hip-drop, only for the NRL to admit the following day the tackle was fine.
“Oh I remember that well,” Ciraldo said. “I honestly didn’t see today’s that closely.”
Jack Wighton celebrates scoring a try with teammates. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Wighton is only two games back after copping a three-game suspension during last year’s finals series for Canberra after being found guilty of biting Knights opponent Tyson Gamble.
In commentary, Andrew Johns suggested the tackle had looked like a hip-drop motion, though replays suggested Wighton did not land on Preston’s leg.
Preston said afterwards he would not require scans on his ankle, and also would not comment on the tackle from Wighton.
“I won’t comment on it. I haven’t seen it yet. That’s footy, mate,” Preston said.
Roosters forward Nat Butcher was charged with a careless high tackle from Thursday night’s loss to Penrith but is only facing a fine of $1000-$1500.