Melbourne’s Cameron Munster escapes sanction for apparent elbow to the head

Melbourne’s Cameron Munster has escaped sanction for an apparent elbow to the head during Friday’s loss to the Roosters.

Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster.

Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster has escaped sanction for an apparent elbow to the head during Friday evening’s four-point loss to the Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park.

During the first half of the Round 24 contest, Roosters young gun Sam Walker tackled Munster after the Queenslander connected with teammate Jahrome Hughes from a line break.

But as the 27-year-old returned to his feet, he appeared to lash out and force his elbow down into Walker’s face.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Munster went unpunished for the misdemeanour and play continued, with the Roosters ultimately claiming a thrilling 18-14 victory to book their spot in the finals.

On Saturday morning, the NRL match review committee slapped Roosters prop Lindsay Collins with a grade three dangerous contact charge after he was caught dropping onto the legs of Storm forward Tom Eisenhuth.

But Munster was not cited for his apparent act of foul play, inevitably frustrating rugby league fans.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the NRL is preparing to issue Munster a “concerning act” letter for his elbow on Walker.

“Cameron Munster has been issued with a concerning act notice for an elbow on Sammy Walker, so that’s a bit of a worry for Cam Munster,” veteran rugby league reporter Brent Read said told Triple M on Saturday.

“It just means they’re keeping an eye on Cam, he’ll be right.”

Munster not cited as usual. @nrl turns a blind eye yet again https://t.co/PhXnI7DXEz

— michael inman (@mickinman) August 27, 2022

Some of those judiciary charges from last night are absolutely farcical as usual. Can’t believe NAS gets away with a grade 1, and how on earth do they ignore Munster’s elbow to the head too? Just insane

— Ella 🦅🦅 (@ellapk3) August 27, 2022

With an early guilty plea, Collins would only be available if the Roosters made the grand final, but if he challenges and loses, he will miss five matches.

Meanwhile, Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was sent to the sin bin on Friday evening for “contact on the ground”, prompting a heated melee at AAMI Park.

Melbourne forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona charged at Waerea-Hargreaves in the 23rd minute, making heavy contact with the Roosters prop before collapsing to the deck.

And while on the ground, Waerea-Hargreaves’ hand seemingly made contact with Asofa-Solomona’s face in a clawing motion before a potential headbutt.

Gee gave the New Zealand representative 10 minutes on the sidelines after consulting the replays, also putting him on report.

Waerea-Hargreaves was handed a grade-one contrary conduct charge for his involvement in the fracas, receiving a $3000 fine with an early plea.

Cameron Munster of the Storm. Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Later in the explosive encounter, Roosters forward Victor Radley was left convulsing on the deck after suffering a suspected concussion.

The 24-year-old copped a heavy head-knock and collapsed to the floor after attempting a low driving tackle on Storm captain Jesse Bromwich in the 71st minute.

Replays suggested his head made contact with Bromwich’s elbow.

Referee Adam Gee immediately stopped play and trainers sprinted onto the field as Radley started shaking on the floor, prompting Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes to signal for extra medical support.

He was stretchered off the ground in a medicab before play could continue.

A few minutes later, Fox League reporter Lara Pitt confirmed that Radley was sitting up and talking to the club’s medical staff in the sheds.