LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a move likened to a classic last-minute try, Storm skipper Harry Grant successfully defended himself at the judiciary hearing, escaping punishment for what was deemed a "completely innocuous" incident involving Sharks' player Daniel Atkinson.
Grant, a rising star in the NRL, faced a grade one dangerous contact charge for a light touch on Atkinson during a recent game.
The Storm were adamant that the contact was harmless, and after a tense hearing, the judiciary panel, consisting of Tony Puletua and former referee Sean Hampstead, agreed with a lightning-fast verdict.
The decision to clear Grant sparked a wave of relief among Storm fans, as it set a precedent for what constitutes illegal contact on kickers.
The incident, which saw Grant sent to the sin bin, could have resulted in a hefty fine, but the panel ruled in his favor, acknowledging that while the contact was indeed dangerous, Grant had not acted carelessly.
Critics of the initial penalty, including the Roosters' Sandon Smith, who had recently faced a suspension for a different incident, argued that Grant's touch was not as flagrant as other dangerous tackles in the league.
The safety of kickers has been a hot topic in the NRL this season, especially after a horrific tackle left Rabbitohs' player Lachlan Ilias with a broken leg and led to a four-game ban for Freddy Lussick.
Grant's victory at the judiciary was a testament to his skill and integrity on the field, proving that sometimes, in the rough and tumble world of Rugby League, justice prevails.