Josh Starling, Junior Paulo successful at NRL judiciary, Cowboys star Tariq Sims not so lucky

JOSH Starling and Joseph Paulo have had good nights at the judiciary, but the Cowboys were left disappointed by a guilty verdict for Tariq Sims.

NQ Cowboys training at 1300 Smiles Stadium before their home game against the Bulldogs. Tariq Sims. Picture: Wesley Monts

JOSH Starling and Joseph Paulo have successfully argued their cases at the judiciary, with Starling free to play for Manly on Sunday.

After copping the early guilty plea for an eye gouge on Souths big man Dave Tyrrell, Starling opted to fight a second dangerous contact charge for an alleged crusher tackle on Luke Keary.

The Sea Eagles successfully argued Starling’s case, freeing the young prop to take on the Gold Coast Titans.

Josh Starling is free to play on Sunday despite this nasty looking picture of an eye gouge. Pic: Gregg Porteous

Parramatta were also successful in getting a dangerous throw charge against Paulo downgraded, meaning the Eels forward will miss just one game, rather than the four he faced if the downgrade was thrown out.

Glad to be playing this weekend thanks for the support from everyone! #BirdGang

— Josh Starling (@Starlo33) August 13, 2014

While the judiary looked kindly on the cases brought forward by Starling and Paulo, North Queensland star Tariq Sims was not so lucky.

The Cowboys went to the judiciary to challenge a grade one dangerous contact charge levelled at the hulking backrower for a crusher tackle on Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona.

Sims will miss Monday night’s clash with Penrith after he was found guilty of the charge, an outcome that disappointed Cowboys coach Paul Green.

“I thought the video clearly showed Tariq took every duty of care he could to make sure Tim Simona wasn’t put in a dangerous position,” Green told the club website.

“I think Simona certainly contributed to putting himself in that position.

“Attacking players are trying to find their front to get a quick play-the-ball and I think that was definitely the case with Simona.

Joseph Paulo had a good night at the judiciary, cutting a suspension by three games.

“As the tackle unfolded, Tariq did everything he could to ensure he (Simona) wasn’t put in a dangerous position.

“There was nothing dangerous about it.”

With Sims out, Green will have to find a new starting back-rower to face the Panthers.

“It’s only one game and he’ll be back the week after bigger and better,” Green said.

“I’m sure it will put a bit of fire in his belly to make sure he doesn’t miss any more games for the rest of the year.”

Sims was suspended for a shoulder charge in the round 11 clash with Canberra.

- with AAP

Originally published as Josh Starling, Junior Paulo successful at NRL judiciary, Cowboys star Tariq Sims not so lucky