Cronulla star Matt Moylan will miss just one week because of concussion with the Sharks expecting him back for next weekend’s NRL local derby against St George Illawarra.
Moylan will sit out Friday’s clash against former club Penrith after being hit high by South Sydney skipper Sam Burgess in an incident which has sparked widespread criticism of the match review committee and judiciary.
While Moylan failed concussion testing early in the week, coach John Morris denied suggestions he will miss a fortnight.
The Sharks fullback was ruled out on Monday after suffering delayed onset symptoms of concussion but in positive signs he was on Thursday back in the gym at the club’s headquarters at PointsBet Stadium.
With the Sharks’ next game not until Sunday week, Morris was confident he would be right to take on the Dragons.
“To play on Friday night he needed to have no symptoms of concussion to go on with the concussion protocol,” Morris said.
“Given he presented with a few symptoms on Monday, he was ruled out. He’s going really good.
“As soon as he’s cleared to take that next step and passes his SCAT test and concussion test, he goes onto that concussion protocol and you slowly ramp up his training to where he does a bit more skill work and contact work.
“He’ll be right next week.”
While Moylan will be forced to watch from the sidelines against the Panthers, Burgess will be free to take on Melbourne after successfully having his careless high tackle charge downgraded from a grade two to a grade one and escaping with a $1900 fine.
NSW coach Brad Fittler on Thursday described Burgess’ sanction as “ridiculous”.
Former MRC chairman Greg McCallum said that Burgess should have been hit with the more serious charge of reckless high tackle, which would attract a three to four week ban.
While Cronulla group chief executive Richard Munro said it was unfair that the Sharks were being punished while the Rabbitohs only copped a monetary fine.
Morris declined to buy into the debate, but said he believed a grade two charge – which would have resulted in Burgess being sidelined for one to two weeks – would have been just.
“We just have to move on,” Morris said.
“It’s unfortunate that we’ve lost Matty.
“But as far as Sam tackle, I felt like he was probably charged with the relevant offence.
“But it’s up to the game to see whether the judiciary has got it right or not. It’s not for me to comment. I’m more concerned for Matty Moylan.”