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Relieved NSW forward Josh Jackson is free to play the most important game of his life after successfully downgrading a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.
The Canterbury second-rower was originally hit with a grade two dangerous throw on Penrith five-eighth Jamie Soward in the first half of their clash last Saturday night.
But a three-man panel of Bob Lindner, Royce Ayliffe and Bronson Harrison took just 11 minutes to downgrade the charge to a grade one and free Jackson for selection for State of Origin III in Brisbane.
He will, however, miss the Bulldogs’ clash on Monday against Melbourne.
“Definitely (relieved). It’s never good to miss any Bulldogs games. It’s great. Now I have the chance to be selected again,” he said.
The Bulldogs risked losing Jackson for three games but defence counsel Nick Ghabar successfully argued that Jackson’s teammate Greg Eastwood had contributed equally to Soward landing on his head.
Ghabar also said that Soward’s teammate James Segeyaro had played a part in the incident.
“As Jackson drives Soward backwards, Eastwood is hugging Soward’s neck and with his legs dropping to the ground, pulls Soward’s torso to the ground,” Ghabar said.
“It’s totally clear from the film that the rotational force was caused by that pulling down.”
Judiciary prosecutor Peter McGrath admitted that Eastwood had played a role in the tackle.
“But, though inappropriate, is not nearly as significant as player Jackson.”
However the panel found in favour of Jackson who, with NSW coach Laurie Daley in attendance, conceded after the hearing that he would look to change his technique.
“We obviously took the plea there on a grade one charge,” Jackson said.
“It definitely wasn’t a good tackle, but I’ve been penalised for it (by) missing this week’s game.
“Hopefully I can adjust my technique in the future.”
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