Canberra back-rower Josh Papalii’s hopes of selection for Queensland in the second State of Origin game are alive after he escaped censure by the NRL match review committee.
Papalii was put on report for a lifting tackle on Josh Hoffman late in the Raiders’ 30-18 win over Brisbane in Canberra on Monday but the match review panel saw no need to take it further.
The hard-hitting Papalii is being talked about as a Maroons debutant as coach Mal Meninga considers adding some starch to his pack ahead of game two in Brisbane on June six after Queensland were dominated up front in NSW’s game one win.
Canberra five-eighth David Campese has been charged with making dangerous contact in the Raiders’ win over the Brisbane on Monday but won’t miss an NRL game.
Campese was hit on Tuesday with a grade one dangerous contact – unnecessary use of knees charge by the NRL match review committee for a clumsy tackle on Broncos centre Jack Reed in the Raiders’ 30-18 victory.
The offence attracts a hundred judiciary points – a one match ban – but due to the former Kangaroo’s clean judiciary record he received a 25 per cent deduction on the charge of 75 points.
If Campese opts to take the early plea he will accrue only 50 carry over points.
Campese will be free to play for the Raiders against Penrith at Canberra Stadium on Saturday as they attempt to keep their perfect home record for the season intact.
Meanwhile Sydney Roosters back-rower Boyd Cordner will miss the tricolours round 14 clash with the Warriors at Allianz Stadium on Sunday after taking the early plea on a grade one striking charge in his side’s win over Parramatta on Friday.
Sonny Bill Williams will be free to play the Warriors after taking the early plea on a grade one high tackle.