Arabic version: تبرئة مونستر بعد تخفيض تهمة في دوري NRL

According to ABC News, Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster is free to play after the NRL Match Review Committee downgraded his dangerous contact charge from grade two to grade one.

Munster had initially faced a one-week suspension, or two weeks if an unsuccessful challenge was made, over a low tackle at the knees of Manly prop Taniela Paseka during Saturday’s Storm win in Perth. He was the third player into the tackle and Paseka was helped from the field in pain.

The committee revised the charge after receiving a further medical report indicating Paseka’s injury might not be as severe as first feared. The NRL said the new information materially altered the nature and extent of the injury and warranted an amended notice of charge under Rule 61 of the NRL Judiciary Code.

Munster can now accept a $750 fine by pleading guilty. The match was his return from a knee injury, and he will next be available after Melbourne’s round 24 bye. The Storm then host the Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park in round 25 as they seek to keep their slim finals hopes alive.