The NRL has sensationally cleared Nicho Hynes for the Sharks’ finals opener after receiving a fresh medical report on Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya’s ankle.
Hynes was hit with a one-match ban for a hip-drop style tackle on Montoya, prompting fears of a serious syndesmosis injury after his ankle was caught.
A preliminary injury report led to the NRL match review committee’s decision to hand down a Grade 2 dangerous contact charge — but an updated assessment has now prompted a downgrade.
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“The Match Review Committee remains satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to justify a charge for the offence of Dangerous Contact against Nicho Hynes,” the NRL said on Monday.
“When initially ascribing a grading to that offence, the MRC considered the contents of a Medical Report provided by the injured player’s club which offered preliminary details as to the nature and extent of the injury.
“Subsequently, the Match Review Committee has received a further report which materially alters the nature and extent of the injury suffered by the player.
“Following due consideration of this Report, the Match Review Committee has reviewed the charge against Nicho Hynes and in accordance with the Judiciary Code, has forwarded the player an amended Notice of Charge for the offence of Dangerous Contact (Grade 1).”
Hynes can now accept a $1000 fine and move on to prepare for Saturday night’s elimination final against the Roosters.
Cronulla had appeared set to challenge the ban at the judiciary, where a loss would have doubled Hynes’ suspension to two matches.
Overturning charges at the judiciary has proven particularly rare and difficult this season.
Of the 249 charges handed down over the first 26 rounds of the season, only 12 were challenged.
Three players were found not guilty, one had their charge downgraded to avoid a ban and eight others were found guilty by the panel.
The Sharks have lost eight of their past nine finals games dating back to 2018, last year’s semi-final defeat of North Queensland their only victory in that span.
But Saturday’s win over the third-placed Bulldogs sounded a warning shot to the NRL, marking Cronulla’s seventh win from eight games ahead of finals.
They also defeated their upcoming opponents the Roosters during their charmed run of form.
Cronulla are set to regain Briton Nikora for the finals rematch after the second-rower completed his three-game suspension for a high tackle.
- with AAP
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