SMITH COPS FINE FOR HIGH HIT
THE NRL match review committee has saved Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith from missing his own testimonial match and the six-figure pay cheque that comes with it.
Instead of being charged for lashing out with his elbow in an unsavoury incident in the World Club Challenge, Smith received a warning letter.
A huge crowd is expected at Suncorp Stadium for the Smith-Johnathan Thurston testimonial game when Melbourne Storm play the Cowboys on Friday night.
Smith clearly used his elbow to the head of Leeds hooker Matt Parcell in reaction to a hard lifting tackle that drove him into the turf during the World Club Challenge on Friday.
NewsCorp understands the match review committee watched a number of replays and thought long and hard about the incident.
In the end they settled for the warning.
A concerning act letter is often sent to NRL players for actions that are considered not quite serious enough to warrant a suspension. But it was close. Although referee Gerard Sutton took no action against Smith for striking his opponent, the committee was concerned Smith’s action could have escalated into more serious foul play.
The fact no action was taken against Smith during the game – not even a penalty – created a furore on social media over the weekend, with suggestions he was a protected species.
Smith has a long history and reputation for trying to influence referees.
Since 2003 he has faced six charges for foul play – two dangerous throws and four dangerous contacts.
He was exonerated once and pleaded guilty on four occasions.
He has been suspended for only three matches.
The testimonial game is expected to attract a crowd of more than 25,000 on Friday night.