Jake Friend is free to play in next Sunday’s NRL grand final after the Sydney Roosters co-captain’s clean record at the judiciary saved him from a potential suspension.
Friend was charged with a grade-one dangerous tackle on Sunday for his lifting effort on South Sydney’s Greg Inglis in the Roosters’ 12-4 preliminary final win at Allianz Stadium.
However, with no carryover points, Friend will be able to take the early guilty plea and avoid any ban and face Melbourne at ANZ Stadium.
The news will come as a massive relief to the Roosters, who have halfback Cooper Cronk racing the clock to overcome a shoulder injury.
Friend hasn’t missed a game for the Roosters all season and is the NRL’s top tackler with an average of 42.7 per game – making his inclusion in what’s expected to be a grinding clash against the Storm crucial.