Josh Hodgson banned for grapple tackle; Andrew Johns slams it as ‘cheap shot’

CANBERRA’S Josh Hodgson will enter the NRL finals race without the burden of carryover points but the knowledge his Dally M dream could be over.

Josh Hodgson is on report for a sickening grapple tackle on Bromwich. Picture: Kym Smith

CANBERRA’S Josh Hodgson will enter the NRL finals race without the burden of carryover points but the knowledge his Dally M dream could be over.

Canberra took the unusual but smart step of pleading ‘no contest’ to a dangerous contact charge for Hodgson’s grapple tackle on Melbourne’s Jesse Bromwich.

The tackle, labelled a “cheap shot’’ by Andrew Johns during Monday night’s commentary on Triple M, would have seen Hodgson lumped with 75 carryover points had he taken the early plea.

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Josh Hodgson has been charged for this sickening tackle on Bromwich. Picture: Kym Smith

Carryover points cost Cameron Smith the chance to play in a grand final, while it also forced Wade Graham to delay his NSW Origin debut earlier this season.

By pleading ‘no contest’, Hodgson will miss Sunday’s clash against Parramatta in front of a home crowd that could push towards 20,000 people, but enter the final two rounds and the finals with no loading.

The suspension, however, means Hodgson will be deducted three Dally M points, and also denied the chance to collect another possible three against the lowly Eels.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart was aware of the Dally M race when he spoke with Hodgson about pleading ‘no contest’.

“I told Josh he’d be missing out on Dally M points, I know he’s in contention for that award, but he said that wasn’t even on his mind, and he only wanted what was best for the team,’’ Stuart told The Daily Telegraph.

“By doing this he doesn’t have that burden of carryover points going into the finals. I didn’t want that hanging over his head.

“He’s a tough bastard, so the week off won’t hurt him.’’

Hodgson was just two points off the Dally M leaders when voting went behind closed doors after round 16. Cooper Cronk, Ryan James, Cameron Smith and Jason Taumalolo were locked in a four-way lead on 16 points.

The Raiders have not dropped a game since then, with their Pommy hooker collecting three points on at least one occasion against Cronulla last Saturday week. Many believed he was set to become the first Englishman to win the game’s top gong.

Canberra could have fought the grade one charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night. Titans skipper James is already due to contest the high shot that left James Tedesco with a broken jaw.

Even though Hodgson could have had any carryover points wiped at the hearing, Stuart and Raiders officials were aware it was a case he was unlikely to win.

Hodgson will miss the game against Parramatta, with one eye on the finals.

Stuart stressed the willingness to let Hodgson sit Sunday out had nothing to do with the opposition being an out-of-sorts Parramatta. He knows the Eels will make it tough for his side in their pursuit of eight straight wins.

The no contest option was only pointed out to Stuart after he was contacted by a good friend.

Kurt Baptiste was named to wear the No. 9 jumper against Parramatta, with Adam Clydsdale added to the bench.

Meanwhile, Raiders boss Don Furner conceded there was no chance his club would be allowed host a preliminary final — the match played in week three of the post-season — despite giving up a distinct home advantage by playing in Sydney against a team like Canterbury.

There were 15,707 fans on Monday night at GIO stadium, with anywhere between 17,000 to 20,000 tipped for Sunday afternoon to watch the high-flying Raiders.

Should Canberra finish third and lose in the opening week of the finals, they still get to play at home in week two.

Originally published as Josh Hodgson banned for grapple tackle; Andrew Johns slams it as ‘cheap shot’