Penrith and NSW winger Brian To’o has avoided being charged by the match review committee for a high-tackle charge on Canterbury’s Bronson Xerri – now Blues’ fans will be hoping scans clear him of any injury to his left knee.
To’o was placed on report inside the final two minutes of Thursday night’s epic 8-6 win over Canterbury at CommBank Stadium.
The reigning premiers and current competition leaders produced arguably the match of the season.
To’o was ruled to have knocked the ball on after his shot on Xerri, only for the bunker to intervene and inform referee Grant Atkins to place To’o on report.
But the match review committee on Friday morning only charged Viliame Kikau for a high shot on Nathan Cleary. He can escape with an $1800 fine.
The Dogs passed on the chance to try and level the score with a long-range penalty goal, and almost scored on the final play of the game, only for a Stephen Crichton to pass the ball into touch.
Had Canterbury gone on to win – and To’o was not charged – Penrith fans would have bemoaned why the bunker intervened in the first place.
Brian To’o was placed on report for this tackle on Bronson Xerri.Credit: Nine
To’o, who was awarded the player’s player for the Blues during Origin II in Perth, did not believe he had anything to worry about, and said after the game: “I asked him [Xerri] if he was alright, and he said he was sweet.”
The more pressing concern will be his left knee, which To’o injured in the first half, and needed to be strapped.
He was able to finish the game, but Penrith medical staff will send To’o for scans on Saturday to be safe.
Penrith co-captain Issah Yeo said he wanted to challenge the To’o call because he was convinced the only contact on Xerri was to the chest – not the head – but was unsure if he could once he was placed on report.
“The contact was so hard it made it look like whiplash,” Yeo said.
“We wanted to challenge it after looking at the slo-mo. There was obviously whiplash, but I thought it was more contact with the chest, not the head.
Penrith’s Brian To’o, Izack Tago, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards watch the big screen during their match against the Bulldogs.Credit: Getty Images
“The tougher the game is, the better he goes, and he showed that again tonight.
“He went into game two off a limited preparation, and he was our best in that game. I thought he was just about our best again tonight.”
If scans confirm any damage for To’o, and he is in doubt for the Origin decider on July 9, Canterbury’s Jacob Kiraz would come into contention for NSW.
Happy cat: Nathan Cleary celebrates his critical second-half try.Credit: Getty Images
Dogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said: “If Jacob got an opportunity, he wouldn’t let anyone down, and he’s been one of the form wingers of the comp.”
The Panthers made it four wins on the trot to remind the competition why a fifth straight title is not out of the question, despite winning just one of their opening seven games.
A Cleary charge-down try in the 55th minute proved the difference, with Cleary’s right groin also proving no problems whatsoever.
“I saw the guys outside of him [Burton] were a bit in front of him, so he couldn’t pass it – I think I’ll end up with a bruised chest because he kicked it that hard into me,” Cleary said of his try.
“I said to dad [coach Ivan Cleary] after the game there was a charge-down in an Origin game in 2022 in Perth, and the ball bounced over my head. I had visions [tonight] of that as the ball was bouncing, and I was like, ‘please, don’t bounce over my head’. Luckily I got a good bounce.”
Casey McLean more than held his own against Crichton, Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards ran for more than 260m, Mitch Kenny tackled himself into the ground, while Canterbury fullback Connor Tracey was the standout in a side that lost no admirers.
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