Eels' forward Ben Smith to fight charge
Parramatta will fight the grading of forward Ben Smith's charge for a high shot on Gold Coast captain Scott Prince.
Smith was handed a grade two booking for dangerous contact with a kicker for a hit on Prince during last Friday's 34-12 loss to the Titans at Skilled Park.
The Eels second-rower appeared to collect Prince late and high but the Titans halfback was uninjured.
Smith will now appear at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night as the desperate Eels seek to ensure all hands are on deck for Friday night's must-win clash with Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.
Eels prop Fuifui Moimoi has entered an early guilty plea to a grade one charge for a careless high tackle, also on Prince, and will be free to take his place against the Broncos.
North Queensland prop James Tamou will miss two games after pleading guilty to a grade two charge of striking.
Sydney Roosters pair Jason Ryles (dangerous contact - head/neck) and Anthony Minichiello (dangerous contact - legs/feet), Manly half Trent Hodkinson (dangerous throw) and Newcastle prop Ben Cross (high tackle) are all free to play this weekend after entering early pleas.
Canberra winger Daniel Vidot has received a grade one dangerous contact charge for his foot-first attempt to stop Penrith winger Brad Tighe scoring in Monday night's 30-26 win by the Raiders in the national capital.
Vidot will be available for Saturday's ANZ Stadium clash with Canterbury if he accepts the charge and will miss the game if he unsuccessfully defends it at the judiciary.
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.