South Sydney five-eighth Cody Walker is free to play in next weekend’s NRL preliminary final after avoiding a ban for his slap on Manly’s Jack Gosiewski.
The Rabbitoh was sent to the sin-bin in the 29th minute of Friday’s semi-final win over the Sea Eagles after striking Gosiewski with an open palm after the back-rower pushed Adam Doueihi’s face into the turf.
Walker has been slapped with a grade one contrary conduct charge which carries a fine but no suspension, meaning he’s free to face Canberra in the grand final qualifier.
Walker’s fine will be $1150 with an early plea or $1500 if he contests the charge and loses.
Teammate Dane Gagai is also facing a grade one contrary conduct charge with the same penalties for the 29th-minute incident with Gosiewski.
Manly’s Brad Parker has been charged with a grade one tripping offence for his 54th-minute infringement on Souths’ James Roberts.
Parker was also sin-binned over the incident and faces a fine ranging from $1700 to $2250 depending on his plea.
Watda
Guest
Yep it was a palm punch...commentators misinterpret every now and then??
RudyZarzoff
Guest
Im guessing you’re a career public servant Peter ?
Peter
Guest
So let’s see... flying winger is tackled but only puts a fingernail on the line as he scores the try that wins the grand final - against your team. Do you want a black and white rule there - he touched the line so he’s out, full stop - or ref’s call - well, it was a lovely swan dive, and he barely ruffled the grass when he touched the line, so Not Out! Try! Your team loses! Still don’t want black and white?
Christov
Guest
Bring back ref being able to make a call and get rid of black and white rules. It should not be 10 minutes for a punch every time. There was nothing wrong with how the refs were doing it before the Gallen incident, it's a joke now
Sammtoocaan
Guest
I’ve watched this over n over , admittedly only from one angle, but I fail to see where he slaps him at all .
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Cody Walker "slapped" with fine. Gold :thumbup:
Dutski
Roar Guru
Hey Scotty - you owe me a dollar!