Cameron Munster will avoid a suspension after he was charged with contrary contact for kicking out at Liam Martin in Queensland’s big Origin loss.
Munster concedes Liam Martin “got under his skin” but that he doesn’t need to address a discipline issue in his game after being charged with contrary conduct in Queensland’s record State of Origin loss to NSW.
Munster looked to kick out at the Blues backrower during the 50-6 loss in Townsville on Wednesday, the Maroons five-eighth saying post-game he “didn’t think there was much in it, but the video doesn’t look too good”.
The match review committee largely agreed, with Munster able to accept a $1,150 fine with an early guilty plea and be free to play for Melbourne against the Warriors on Sunday.
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» AS IT HAPPENED: Game 1 scores, highlights, result and blog
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It was a similar incident to the one that saw him sin-binned in the 2018 NRL grand final loss to Sydney Roosters but Munster laughed off the idea that it had become a bad habit.
“I didn’t like what he’d done (in the tackle), it got under my skin and I’m a competitive person but in no way, shape, or form was I trying to hurt him,” Munster said.
“There was no full swing, more just him trying to get off me.
“I know deep down I didn’t try to fully kick him; if I did I’m sure he’d be on the floor.
“If Liam is listening, I’m sorry if he thought there was any malice in it.”
Munster’s teammate Kyle Feldt (dangerous contact) can also accept a fine while Gold Coast forward Moeaki Fotuaika (dangerous contact) would miss one game after both were reported in the loss.
Discussion around the NRL’s crackdown on high contact – and staging for penalties as a result – dominated the lead-up to the game.
But there wasn’t a penalty blown for a high tackle until the hour mark, NSW coach Brad Fittler applauding the officials for their handling of the contest under intense scrutiny.
Combesy
Roar Guru
nope I can. But you might do well with some humility
Kim
Guest
Of course not……New South Welshmen can kick whoever they like with impunity.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Maybe he meant permanently?
Adam
Roar Guru
Well it would depend if he was trying to get my kid off him :laughing:
Chas
Roar Rookie
Was the Cleary one even looked at?
Paul
Roar Guru
I guess you'd have no issues if a player kicked your child. Yep, nothing to it.
soapit
Roar Guru
seems munster got the protected species pass handed down to him when billy retired. . its not about how much damage you do. do we really accept that kicking other players isnt really a big deal. . he’s got past history of kicking when getting flogged in big games and his excuses are ridiculous.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Albo it ended 2 weeks ago.That was just PR spin for all the Soccer Mums.Remember money(ratings) talks.The only Refs Whistles we heard last night was for Blues meat pies.
theHunter
Guest
Sore losers, like you, can!
Kerry Hanson
Guest
Yes , I saw that , and I’m guessing everyone but the ref did . There was at least four or five six again or penalty worthy offences committed by Munster that went unpunished. If you take that into account, the score could have been a lot worse .
Combesy
Roar Guru
some of the wrestling and post tackle contact is far more dangerous then someone basically pushing a player over with their leg. Fine and warning given, play on...
The Barry
Roar Guru
It absolutely is a contact sport, that doesn’t mean you can kick people... don’t think you can in netball either What was Darryl Brahman complaining about when Boyd elbowed him and broke his jaw? It’s a contact sport... wuss I love how dopes who want to see things that aren’t in the rules tell other people to watch a different game. If you want to see people kicked in the guts you should watch a different sport...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah, kicking someone soft is fine, especially if you’re annoyed...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Origin rules... Feldt would have got two weeks for that tackle in NRL It’s gobsmacking that the defence for kicking someone “well you see, I was frustrated and I didn’t actually kick him that hard” is accepted :laughing: :laughing:
Combesy
Roar Guru
winners generally cant
Pete
Guest
Not the first time he's kicked a bloke when his side is getting flogged in a big game. Can't handle losing can we Cameron?
Albo
Roar Rookie
Such a joke ! Sure he didn't do any damage, but what sort of look does his actions give to the game in front of the biggest audience of the year ? And apparently the head shot on Murray by Feldt was only worth a fine as well ? Seems the crackdown on concussion cause is now over ??
Combesy
Roar Guru
nothing to see here. Wouldnt pull the skin off a custard and Martin agreed was just niggle. Play on
combesy
Guest
move on, nothing to it. Silly reaction. Martin agreed.
Short Memory
Guest
So if Andrew Fifita or Jack Hetherington does that later in the season will it just be a fine? Once again different rules for playmakers and forwards. P*** weak from NRL.