The Cronulla Sharks have received a major boost ahead of this weekend’s NRL elimination final with halfback Nicho Hynes avoiding suspension for a dangerous tackle during Saturday’s match against the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Hynes was charged by the NRL’s match review committee for a hip-drop tackle on Canterbury’s Marcelo Montoya in the 75th minute of the Sharks’ 24-6 win over the Bulldogs.
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Montoya limped off the field while Hynes was initially charged with grade two dangerous contact, ruling the Cronulla halfback out of this weekend’s elimination final against the Sydney Roosters.
But on Monday, the NRL released a statement that Hynes’s charge was being downgraded to a grade one after Montoya’s injury was revealed to be less severe than first thought.
“The Match Review Committee remains satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to justify a charge for the offence of Dangerous Contact against Nicho Hynes,” the statement read.
“When initially ascribing a grading to that offence, the MRC considered the contents of a Medical Report provided by the injured player’s Club, which offered preliminary details as to the nature and extent of the injury.
“Subsequently, the Match Review Committee has received a further report which materially alters the nature and extent of the injury suffered by the player.
“Following due consideration of this Report, the Match Review Committee has reviewed the charge against Nicho Hynes, and in accordance with the Judiciary Code, has forwarded the player an amended Notice of Charge for the offence of Dangerous Contact (Grade 1).”
With an early guilty plea, Hynes will be fined $1,000 and can play on Saturday for the Sharks.
NRL finals week oneStorm vs Bulldogs qualifying final: Friday from 7:50pm AEST at AAMI ParkWarriors vs Panthers elimination final: Saturday from 4:05pm AEST at Mt Smart StadiumSharks vs Roosters elimination final: Saturday from 7:50pm AEST at Shark ParkRaiders vs Broncos qualifying final: Sunday from 4:05pm AEST at Canberra StadiumABC Sport Daily podcast