Maloney escapes suspension for high tackle

James Maloney is free to play for Cronulla this weekend despite being charged for a high tackle in Monday’s NRL loss to South Sydney.

The match review committee on Tuesday hit the Sharks five-eighth with a grade one careless high tackle charge for his 73rd-minute shot on Rabbitohs winger Aaron Gray. But Maloney took the early guilty plea, meaning he can take his place in the line-up against Sydney Roosters on Saturday.

St George Illawarra rookie Taane Milne will miss one game after accepting a discounted plea for his dangerous throw on Roosters second-rower Boyd Cordner on Sunday.

Milne joins fellow rookies in Newcastle youngster Nathan Ross and Parramatta prop Rory O’Brien, both of whom also copped one game bans for a dangerous throw and dangerous contact respectively.

Canterbury prop Sam Kasiano was the first player of the round to take the early guilty plea, doing so on Monday after kicking Brisbane veteran Corey Parker to the face last Thursday. Kasiano will be sidelined for two games.

Eels rookie Bevan French escaped suspension after taking the early guilty plea on his grade one dangerous throw on Canberra centre Jarrod Croker on Sunday.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!