Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and State of Origin forward David Klemmer has had his dangerous contact charge downgraded to a grade one and will be available for the Bulldogs’ Round 2 clash with the Penrith Panthers.
Klemmer was placed on report during the Bulldogs 20-0 victory over the Melbourne Storm at Belmore Sportsground on Saturday after he hurled himself into the legs of Kenneath Bromwich with force.
Canterbury’s fight was successful with the Belmore club managing to make their case without having to use video evidence.
The club are in a strong position ahead of their season opener against rivals Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on March 4.
A number of Des Hasler’s side have been cleared to play following pre-season injury scares with Moses Mbye (glute), James Graham (rib) and Bradley Abbey (concussion) all deemed fit for Round 1 by Bulldogs head physiotherapist James Rahme.
Brett Morris will sit out of the Sea Eagles match after the Australian international underwent a knee operation late last year and has since fallen behind schedule in his recovery.
New recruit William Hopoate is set to replace him at fullback with the former Sea Eagle and Eel sitting out of last week’s trial with a precautionary ankle injury sustained before half-time in their first hit-out for 2016 against Penrith.
Chase Stanley will also join the side with the former Kiwi international one of the standouts against the Storm following a strong defensive performance.
He scored Canterbury’s last try of the match and also converted two goals having practiced his goalkicking over the offseason following Trent Hodkinson’s exit to the Newcastle Knights.
Tim Browne has also been cleared of any serious injury with the interchange forward sitting out of the Auckland Nines with a minor ankle injury during his preparations before flying out to New Zealand. He did not play during the pre-season but will appear in Hasler’s 17 in Round 1.
The Bulldogs’ first round opponent Manly have injury concerns of their own with both Brett Stewart (hamstring) and Tom Trbojevic (ankle) injured in their trial against State Champions Ipswich Jets.
The pair have been deemed fit with Matt Parcell (hamstring), Apisai Koroisau (shoulder), Lewis Brown (knee) and Feleti Mateo (ankle) all strong chances to appear in Round 1, the group sitting in the stands at Pittwater Park over the weekend.
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