LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Luke Brooks was on edge after being put on report for a lifting tackle during Friday night's game, but he can breathe a sigh of relief as he escapes a ban and gears up for his first taste of finals footy.
The Bulldogs will be missing Bronson Xerri next week due to a one match ban for a tackle that injured Manly's Jason Saab, but there's some good news for Manly fans as Luke Brooks was not charged for his tackle that could have sidelined him for the finals.
Brooks' tackle in the 58th minute had everyone holding their breath, but fortunately, no serious harm was done to Jacob Preston.
A grade two charge could have kept the Sea Eagles' five-eighth out for three matches, but thankfully, he's in the clear to take on the Sharks next week.
It would have been a cruel blow for Brooks to miss out on his first finals game after waiting 12 seasons for this chance.
"(I was a bit nervous) but I don't think it was that bad.
I did lift him but I stopped and he seemed to duck his head as well," Brooks commented after the game.
"I felt like I picked him up and then stopped, and then he ducked his head."