NRL head of football: Taylan May should have been charged for ‘careless’ contact on Reece Walsh

In a move which will leave Brisbane seething, NRL head of football Graham Annesley admits the match review committee should have charged Taylan May for his ‘careless’ shot on Reece Walsh.

Taylan May was put on report for the incident. Picture: NRL Imagery

NRL head of football Graham Annesley has made the stunning admission that the match review committee got it wrong by not charging Penrith centre Taylan May over his head clash with Reece Walsh.

Annesley, who fronted the media as part of his regular review of the round on Monday, insisted the match review committee remained an independent body but said head office was of the belief that May’s actions were careless and worthy of a charge.

The NRL’s stance came after Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters slammed the decision not to charge May over an incident that has sidelined Walsh for up to six weeks.

It is understood Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy also addressed the club’s concerns with head office after May was given the green light to play this week.

Annesley sided with the Broncos as he pointed to an edict that was sent out last season placing the onus on defenders to avoid contact with the head, particularly when they shoot out of the line.

May hurtled out of defensive line to put pressure on Walsh.

Taylan May was put on report for the incident. Picture: NRL Imagery

Reece Walsh will be sidelined while he recovers from the knock. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“The match review committee as we understand it reached their conclusion of no further action on the basis that it was an accidental head clash and as such didn’t reach the threshold for a careless- or reckless-type action,” Annesley said.

“The view of the administration on this is we do think it does reach that threshold of careless action at least.

“In our view there is an obligation on all defenders to ensure they play the game with due regard to the safety of other players. “This particular type of action, coming up and in with speed, will often go wrong. On that basis we believe it should have resulted in a charge.”

While Annesley conceded the edict that was sent out last season referred to shoulder to head contact, he insisted players had an obligation to avoid any forceful contact with the head or shoulder.

“The outcome you can’t lose control of,” Annesley said.

“It is the way the player approaches the tackle rather than the outcome. There will be accidental head clashes in our game that don’t require action because no-one has elevated that risk of injury.

“In this case, the actions of the tackler have elevated that risk of injury. The match review committee is an independent process.

“The NRL plays no part in that but as administrators we have a responsibility to review what comes out of the match review committee. “We know that every member of the MRC is absolutely committed to the best interests of the game.

“But we also have a responsibility to review outcomes and form opinions and give directions where appropriate …. after decisions are made.”

Originally published as NRL head of football: Taylan May should have been charged for ‘careless’ contact on Reece Walsh