Cronulla and NSW skipper Paul Gallen has decided to fight his kneeing charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.
Gallen was handed a grade-one dangerous contact charge for kneeing South Sydney back-rower Dave Taylor in the head in Monday night’s loss to the Rabbitohs.
The grading is not severe enough to jeopardise his Origin jumper as the charge attracts a 100-point penalty, but an early plea would reduce that to 75 points, clearing him to take on Melbourne this Sunday.
But Gallen has a knee injury which has put him in doubt for the fixture against the ladder-leaders, which could pave the way for the inspirational lock forward to clear his carry-over points by fighting the charge.
Should he lose his challenge at the judiciary, Gallen would be suspended for the Storm clash but have a clean slate, rather than carrying 75 carry-over points over his head.
Also facing the panel on Wednesday night will be St George Illawarra’s Matt Prior, who has pleaded guilty but still faces a lengthy suspension after being charged with striking Johnathan Thurston which was referred straight to the judiciary, and North Queensland hooker James Segeyaro who is contesting the grading of his careless high-tackle charge.
Parramatta’s Reni Maitua and Newcastle’s Joel Edwards will both miss one week after taking early guilty pleas, while Sydney Roosters’ Jake Friend is free to play after also accepting the early plea.