Melbourne forward Jordan McLean has been granted permission by the NRL judiciary chairman to play in Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs in Perth.
McLean is facing a judiciary hearing on a dangerous throw charge over Monday night’s tackle gone wrong that left Newcastle’s Alex McKinnon in hospital with serious neck injuries.
He was initially stood down for this week by the NRL when his hearing was deferred out of respect for McKinnon and his family, who were waiting to learn his prognosis.
However, the Storm were allowed to appeal and did so.
Judiciary chairman Paul Conlon SC agreed on Thursday that McLean – who is understood to be very upset by McKinnon’s injuries – should be allowed to play on Saturday.
Conlon said that, under its rules, the NRL had no option but to stand down Jordan until his charge was heard, but any player stood down would normally have his case heard before his next game.
“In this case, the NRL and Melbourne Storm had agreed to defer the hearing out of respect for Newcastle forward Alex McKinnon, who was injured in the tackle,” said Conlon.
“In my view, both the NRL and the Melbourne club should be commended for this sensible and sensitive approach to the tragic situation with which they have been confronted.”
Conlon found that “exceptional circumstances” existed in this case because the hearing had been deferred and he ruled that Jordan is entitled to play this weekend.
McLean’s judiciary hearing has now been set for Wednesday next week.
Melbourne chief executive Mark Evans said they exercised their right to appeal on the grounds of “player welfare” and natural justice.”
Evans said the Storm respected the NRL’s decision to delay the judiciary hearing out of respect for McKinnon, however they said the game also had a duty of care to McLean.
“I speak on behalf of the entire Melbourne Storm organisation in expressing our support of the NRL’s handling of this extremely sensitive matter, including the delay of the hearing,” said Evans.
“We understand that there are exceptional and extremely unfortunate circumstances involved here and we join everyone in rugby league in wishing Alex McKinnon a full recovery.
“Alex’s health and welfare is the most important consideration and should be the rugby league community’s main priority.
“But, at the same time, we also have a duty of care to Jordan, which is why we sought leave from the NRL Judiciary Chairman on the grounds of player welfare and natural justice.”