The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

NRL NEWS: Storm players pleading with Munster to stay, Cleary avoids suspension,

Autoplay in... 6 (Cancel)
Up Next No more videos! Playlist is empty -
Replay
Cancel
Next
16th April, 2022
70
2360 Reads

Melbourne Storm star Jahrome Hughes has revealed that the club’s players have been trying to convince Cam Munster to stay with the club long-term.

Munster, who put in a man of the match performance to defeat the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday night, is yet to ink a deal beyond the end of next year and is known to be a target for the Dolphins.

“100% we are in his ear, but he has got to do what he’s got to do,” said Hughes in the press conference after the Sharks win.

“It’s his decision. Us as a playing group and a club we want him to stay obviously. I’ll be putting a little bit of pressure on him, but I’m not going to be putting too much pressure on him.

“He has got to what he has got to do and he has still got two more years. He has still got this year and next year.

“I’m in his ear a lot but he has got a young family and he has got to do what is best for himself. But I want him here.”

Cleary fined by judiciary but escapes ban

Nathan Cleary will not be suspended after his alleged hip drop tackle on Billy Walters in last night’s clash between Penrith and Brisbane.

Advertisement

There had been fears that the Panthers star could be suspended, but the NRL judiciary has settled on a $1000 fine – $1,500 if challenged – for dangerous contact.

Kobe Hetherington has also escaped a charge from an incident in the same game where he pulled the hair of Jarome Luai. He also faces the same fine situation, as does Brandon Wakeham, who was put on report for a crusher tackle in the Bulldogs – Souths game.

The slap fight between Dylan Edwards and Keenan Palasia in the Panthers – Broncos game has escaped any censure from the disciplinary panel.

Elsewhere, Anthony Milford has been granted a conditional approval to sign with Newcastle, pending a behavioural course and rehabilitation program.

The halfback pled guilty last week to wilful damage and public nuisance, while other charges relating to assault, including pushing a woman, were withdrawn.

The NRL released a statement detailed a path for Milford to return to play, which could happen as soon as Round 11.

It read: “The NRL’s review has included a consideration of agreed facts tendered in the proceedings which included that Milford acted in an offensive manner and twice pushed a woman backwards during an incident on a Brisbane street on 20 September, 2021.

“On one of those occasions, the agreed facts state that Milford’s actions caused the woman to fall and hit her head on concrete. These are matters which are naturally of serious concern to the NRL.

Advertisement

“The NRL did not consider Milford’s registration until the completion of the criminal proceedings and review of those outcomes, including the agreed evidence tendered in court.

“Taking into account the time Milford has spent out of the game, his application for registration with the Newcastle Knights will now be registered on a conditional basis with mandatory requirements.

“Milford’s eligibility to play in the Premiership will be conditional on him successfully completing a series of personal development and tailored rehabilitation programs and ongoing assessments with NRL Wellbeing & Education, including regular updates to the Integrity Unit about his progress.

“Milford will be granted conditional registration to train with the Newcastle Knights while he completes these programs, but will not be permitted to play until the programs have been substantially completed, he has been assessed by an appropriate professional, and met with the NRL.

“He will not be permitted to play before Round 11, providing 4 weeks for the relevant programs and assessment.

“The NRL has zero tolerance for any form of violence involving women and will always take serious action in relation to such incidents.

“The conditions placed on Milford’s registration take into account the serious nature of the incident and focus on the education and rehabilitation of Milford prior to him being allowed to compete in the Premiership.”

close