LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has criticized the NRL for what he deems an "unfair" four-game suspension handed to Jacob Preston for a crusher tackle.
This harsh penalty was influenced by Preston's two prior grade-1 offences this season, turning what could have been a $1500 fine into a significant ban.
Initially facing at least a three-match suspension with an early guilty plea, Preston's situation worsened after he and the Bulldogs contested the decision at the judiciary on Tuesday, ultimately receiving a four-match suspension.
Ciraldo argues that the severity of the suspension is not commensurate with the nature of Preston's offence, especially when compared to other incidents that have resulted in four-week bans.
He emphasized, "Obviously, I don't think Jacob deserved four weeks.
We went and fought that and got a fair hearing." Ciraldo believes the match review system's approach to cumulative offences warrants reassessment, stating, "It is what it is but if you look at the things that have got four weeks in the past, I think it's a bit unfair for Jacob to get four weeks."