The NRL is set to replace match bans with fines for minor offences, like grade one charges

THE NRL is set to change the judiciary rules so grade-one incidents will result in a whack in the wallet instead of a stint on the sidelines.

Wade Graham after being found guilty of Careless high tackle at NRL judiciary. Picture Craig Greenhill

THE NRL is set to change the judiciary rules so incidents like Wade Graham’s careless high tackle on Johnathan Thurston that cost him a NSW jersey will result in a whack in the wallet instead of a match ban.

For years NRL players and coaches have been calling for this change to stop players missing big games like grand finals and State of Origins for grade-one offences.

And finally it looks like the NRL is ready to act and introduce a fining system like the one that is already used in the English Super League.

It is understood the NRL’s Competition Committee will put forward a recommendation for 2017 that only needs the ARL Commission to sign-off on so it can be introduced.

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In Graham’s case it was actually carry-over points from a previous charge that eventually denied the Cronulla backrower his Origin debut for the must-win game in Brisbane.

Wade Graham missed game two of the 2016 series after he was suspended. Picture Craig Greenhill

Dragons forward Tyson Frizell’s accidental contact with a referee that resulted in a one-game ban would also likely fall into the category more suitable for a fine rather than a suspension.

Ivan Cleary, who is working as a consultant to the NRL’s football department, said the issue was discussed at this week’s coaches conference and was widely supported.

Cleary explained fines instead of suspensions would be used for incidents that aren’t deemed to be completely against the spirit of the game or that aren’t going to cause major injury.

The Competition Committee is also looking at an amendment to the controversial shoulder charge ruling so there won’t a repeat of the Jack Wighton fiasco next year.

The NRL’s match review committee created a storm when Wighton was pinged for a shoulder charge after Michael Ennis had earlier been allowed to escape punishment for a similar incident.

That ended in embarrassment for the NRL when the judiciary exonerated Wighton to play in Canberra’s qualifying final.

The fining system has been in place in the Super League for some time and earlier this year Newcastle coach Nathan Brown suggested the NRL adopt it as well.

The judiciary exonerated Jack Wighton for this shoulder charge. Pictures: Courtesy Fox Sports

“I know we have to police foul play but we should also be doing what we can to encourage leaving players on the field,” Brown said in July.

“In England where I last coached, that type of grade one charge ended up being a fine.

“The player actually got fined rather than miss a game. Here, when a player gets suspended, the club is the one that wears the brunt of it as well.”

Originally published as The NRL is set to replace match bans with fines for minor offences, like grade one charges