LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Matt Lodge has avoided suspension following a controversial tackle on South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Brandon Smith, who was injured during his first NRL match in nearly a year.
Reports from zerotackle.com indicate that many expected Lodge's tackle to be deemed a hip-drop and penalized, but the NRL found no problems with his technique.
Smith was making his debut for Souths after a lengthy recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament rupture sustained while playing for the Sydney Roosters.
The incident occurred in the 75th minute when Lodge's tackle resulted in Smith limping off the field.
Post-match, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett confirmed that Smith would be sidelined for approximately 6-8 weeks due to suspected medial-ligament damage from the incident.
When asked his view on the tackle that caused the injury, Bennett stated, "You can make your own opinion on it.
I'm frustrated about a lot of things at the moment, but it's not doing me any good." This incident raises questions about tackle techniques in the NRL and the governing body's approach to player safety.