Don’t suspend Sims – Hodges

Justin Hodges has forgiven Cowboys forward Tariq Sims for a shot that split his head open and he hopes the NRL judiciary does the same thing.

Sims was put on report for an ugly incident in the second half of the Cowboys’ 32-20 elimination final victory over the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday night.

Hodges was left dazed and needing strapping around his head after a shot that will be assessed for lateness and also if it was a shoulder charge.

The Cowboys will be sweating on the report from the match review committee on Monday, with Sims also holding carry-over points from two previous charges this season.

With Sims bound for Newcastle next season, any suspension could potentially mean he has played his last game for the Cowboys.

Hodges admitted he doesn’t remember much of the incident, but said it was just “part of footy”.

“It’s been and done now, I don’t want to whinge about it too much and hopefully he’ll be right to play next week,” he said.

“To be honest I don’t care.

“It’s part of footy. It’s what happens, you get split.”

Cowboys coach Paul Green and co-captain Johnathan Thurston both said they would need to see the tackle on video before they could comment.

But Tariq’s older brother Ashton Sims said he was hopeful that Hodges’ words would carry weight with the NRL judiciary if Tariq is charged.

“I haven’t seen the tackle yet but hopefully nothing comes of it,” he said.

“If Hodges says he’s alright well, hopefully, they will see that and use that.”

Sims isn’t the only Cowboy the club will be sweating on, with Kyle Feldt suffering an ankle injury from an alleged leg twist that sparked some heated exchanges between the teams late in the match.

He will be assessed during the week.

His absence would be the last thing the Cowboys need ahead of a do-or-die final against the Sydney Roosters with the club already missing backs Lachlan Coote (knee), Brent Tate (knee) and Matthew Wright (ASADA suspension) for the season.

Bronco Ben Hannant was also placed on report for a high shot on Cowboys fullback Michael Morgan, who stumbled on his feet before being taken from the field for a concussion test.

Morgan said he was in no doubt for the Sydney clash.

“I feel alright … the doc seems to be pretty happy so It’s all good,” he said.

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