Storm prop Cross bemused at NRL judiciary charge

 

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By Todd Balym, 2 Oct 2007 Todd Balym is a Roar Pro

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One was hungover, the other concussed and neither Ben Cross nor Brett Stewart have any recollection of a possible eye gouge by the Storm prop in Melbourne’s grand final victory over Manly.

Cross returned to Melbourne on Monday to news he had been charged with grade three contrary conduct for unnecessary contact with the face of Manly’s Stewart at Telstra Stadium on Sunday night.

He was charged by the NRL match review committee and faces a two- to three-week ban for the sixth minute incident in the 34-8 win.

Television replays showed Cross’s left hand made contact with Stewart’s face and eye during a heavy tackle.

“I’m a little bit bemused by it actually,” Cross told the Nine Network.

“I cannot even really remember the incident, they told me it’s a tackle on Brett Stewart.”

Melbourne officials won’t let the incident sour their premiership celebrations and will wait until Tuesday before deciding whether to defend the charge.

Cross would have to serve any suspension for Newcastle when he joins the Knights next season.

But the outgoing prop can be thankful his “victim” Stewart won’t be taking the matter further as he has no memory of the game thanks to a heavy shoulder charge from Storm secondrower Michael Crocker.

Crocker pole-axed Stewart early in the second half, leaving the Eagles fullback heavily concussed.

“Brett has got absolutely no recollection of the incident,” said Manly chief executive Grant Mayer.

“Obviously the NRL has seen something in the act and they will go through a due process.”

Crocker’s heavy tackle was not penalised by referee Tony Archer or the match review panel.

Manly have their own judiciary concerns with Jamie Lyon and Jason King both charged over incidents in the early softening-up period of the game.

Lyon was charged with a grade one dangerous throw on Billy Slater in the first minute but can escape a ban with an early guilty plea.

King was hit with a grade two contrary conduct charge for lifting his knees in the seventh minute and faces a one- or two-week suspension.

King led with his knee when carrying the ball forward, the contact leaving Storm lock Dallas Johnson dazed for most of the first half.

© 2007 AAP

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