LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Jacob Preston's lawyer has criticized the NRL after the Canterbury Bulldogs star received a four-match suspension following a guilty verdict for a crusher tackle on Gold Coast's Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
The ruling not only dashed Preston's State of Origin ambitions but also imposed a significant setback for the high-performing Bulldogs.
Preston faced disappointment as he was eligible for a fine instead of a suspension, had it not been for two prior offences this year.
Now, he will miss crucial upcoming matches against Canberra, the Sydney Roosters, the Dolphins, and Parramatta, effectively sidelining him before the selection for State of Origin II.
In a striking statement after the hearing, Preston's lawyer, Paul McGirr, argued that "diving was widespread in the game" as players seek to draw penalties from tackles like Preston's.
This controversy points to ongoing concerns within the league regarding player conduct and the management of penalties.