If Canterbury are to become the first side in almost two decades to win a grand final from outside the top four, they might have to do it without influential back rower Josh Jackson.
The future representative forward is facing time on the sidelines after being put on report for an ugly chicken wing tackle on Manly’s Josh Starling which prompted just the second punching incident of the season.
Canterbury were celebrating a magical 18-17 golden-point triumph over Manly on Saturday, but Jackson won’t be able to relax until the NRL match review committee hand down their findings on Monday.
For perhaps the first time ever, NSW and Queensland went through an entire State of Origin series without raising their fists, and so Starling’s jab to Jackson’s chin – as soft as it might have been – came as quite a shock.
But it was the tackle which fired-up the no-nonsense Manly front rower which was most shocking.
Jackson got under Starling’s arm and worked his body over in that wrestling move which looks as though it’s going to force a shoulder to pop out.
The 23-year-old has a good judiciary record but he will almost certainly face a charge and the NRL have taken a hard-line against the manoeuvre this season.
Manly’s Justin Horo and the Roosters’ Aidan Guerra have been among the players to be suspended recently.
Since the NRL introduced its tough anti-punching laws midway through last year, St George Illawarra’s Josh Dugan and Newcastle’s Tyrone Roberts became the first players to be binned for fighting in the final round of this season.
On Saturday night, Starling and Canterbury’s Reni Maitua were marched for punching.
But the fact Jackson stayed on the field for a nasty chicken wing and Starling was sat down for a harmless punch didn’t quite add up.
Clark
Guest
Just saying you should have an open mind haha. I think if Starling wasn't in pain he wouldn't have reacted at all, that is just my opinion.
The Barry
Guest
As for "as far as you know" - extremely childish. It's as far as you know as well. You can't just make up wild accusations about people and then say "as far as you know it's true" hahahaha
The Barry
Guest
Hang on a sec. He threw the ball at Jackson. He threw the punch because Jackson grabbed his shirt and in doing so connected with his chin. He didn't look in too much pain getting up and throwing the ball and punches. Sometimes a penalty is sufficient.
Clark
Guest
In reply to your Greenburg comment, As far as you know... And also, Jusging by Starling's reaction I will oppose your view the he was "in no danger" I think he would know considering he was the victim
The Barry
Guest
There's people who sound like chicken little every time something happens on a footy field. Reynolds got charged with lashing out at thaiday while thaiday was twisting him round in a tackle. He got one week. Isaac Luke got nothing for a similar charge a fortnight later that wasn't as bad. How is that inconsistent? He got two weeks for a trip. When you look at other trips recently that's on the high end. G Burgess got 1 week for a trip earlier this year. Again not inconsistent. Just because you don't like a player doesn't mean he gets banned for life.
The Barry
Guest
It wasn't a chicken wing.
The Barry
Guest
Greenberg has nothing to do with the judiciary. There's a heightened state of awareness about any time any tackle looks like a chicken wing. He didn't grab the arm and twist or elevate. The mechanics of this tackle even though it ended up looking bad were completely different to a classic chicken wing. Starling was in no danger.
The Barry
Guest
Andrew...who's on the sauce? No charge for Jackson.
Roger
Guest
Josh Jackson not even charged presumably because Judiciary knew any charge would rub him out for next Weel - definite intent in the chicken wing - seems if the player doesnt get injured the Judiciary isnt interested - you can do what you line if the player walks away - if it turns out bad you get smashed - just ask Jordan McLean - it should be the dirty act that gets judged, not the lucky outcome!
Clark
Guest
I am just shaking my head right now. First Reynolds gets two lenient bans this season and now this? Old Greenburg seems to still be looking after the Bulldogs. Penrith will still roll them this week. Segeyaro, Moylan and Mansour among others will cause havoc through the middle.
tigerdave
Guest
and he gets off. How does that happen. That was indeed a chicken wing every day of the week. Personally, I think the judiciary have been unfairly criticised by teams and people withpersonal agenda's throwing up "Apples v Oranges" type copomparisons. The Sims comparison was merely desperation by the Cowboys..right. This one leaves me dumbfounded though. This is inconsistency at the highest order. I'm gobsmacked.
The Barry
Guest
That's right. He initially had him by the shoulder and chest and not the arm and was trying to roll him over. When he slid up the upper arm he let go before the tackle was completed. I'm not saying he's innocent but it wasn't a disgraceful tackle and there's been plenty worse. Starling was in no danger if injury.
The Barry
Guest
Except for the ridiculous punch rule the sin bin is not for foul play. Maybe it's time for that to be reviewed. If it's bad enough to go on report (and these days nothing goes on report without 56 replays) maybe it's bad enough to spend ten in the bin. That way the team on the end of the foul play gets an advantage without a team playing a man down for an extended period and ruining the contest.
Muzz
Guest
I like the Pennies in this match up and imo no Jackson will tip the scales even further.Dogs may consider challenging this one.
eagleJack
Guest
TB, they won't grade it worse than Guerra's. He got a Grade 2. Jackson will get a Grade 1 and miss a week.
Clark
Guest
Jackson should get done, it was not a good look at all. But then again the MRP seem to just roll a dice to decide how many weeks a player gets done for
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I'm about 99% sure that Jackson was trying to roll Starling onto his back not realising Starling had his body pinned to the ground.
The Barry
Guest
I'd agree but the 1 week for Guerra confuses things. With the carry overs looks like a week. I can't see how they can grade jacksons worse than Guerras.
eagleJack
Guest
Apparently Jackson has 67 carry-overs from a tripping incident earlier this year. So a Grade 1 will see him miss this weekend. He will be very lucky not to get atleast a Grade 1. That's not to say I think it was a bad "chicken-wing". But the NRL want to stamp this kind of tackle out, which is fair enough.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I don't understand why players are not binned for chicken wing tackles, it's a very grubby tackle and must be punished more severely. Jackson May get a week only I would say.