These latest replays are showing Hess actually bumps his teammate Cotter before they reached Papalii.
Cotter appears to be knocked towards Papalii’s chin right before contact is made.
“Reuben’s trajectory changed quite drastically there,” Mr. Hancock said.
Cotter’s lawyer is not arguing that the lock forward’s shoulder did hit Papalii on the chin.
“There is a substantial movement,” Mr. Hancock said.
“He couldn’t have avoided it. Not all head contact is avoidable. It’s a common-sense verdict.”
The judiciary panel of Perenara and Lindner are tuned in through video link.
NRL counsel Gyles is now arguing the mitigating circumstances surrounding Hess’ involvement is not a matter of guilty or not guilty, but only an issue of grading.