Former Brisbane Broncos contracted player Francis Molo claims he never shoulder charged James Ackerman, despite accepting a nine-week suspension for the illegal tackle.
Mr Ackerman died in hospital two days after Mr Molo struck him during a June 2015 Queensland Cup game.
Mr Molo told the Brisbane Coroners Court on Wednesday he did not shoulder charge the 25-year-old forward and made contact with his chest, not the head or neck.