Munster cleared over Alamoti biting allegations

Storm star Cameron Munster has been cleared of biting Penrith’s Paul Alamoti in the dying minutes of Sunday’s grand final.

With only five minutes left on the clock at Accor Stadium, Alamoti made a complaint after Munster’s jaw was pressed into the Penrith centre’s right arm. The bunker checked the incident but wasn’t able to make a definitive call.

Referee Ashley Klein put the incident on report, with the NRL match review committee clearing the Melbourne five-eighth on Monday morning.

“I can’t be certain, I just saw saliva,” Klein said.

Munster is no stranger to grand final controversy and was sin-binned twice in the 2018 decider against the Roosters. He spent 10 minutes on the sideline for a professional foul in the first half, but most contentiously kicked Joseph Manu in the head late in the match.

He escaped suspension and paid just a $1400 fine when he was hit with a contrary conduct charge.

Munster was adamant after Sunday’s game that he would not have a case to answer.

“I spoke to Ash about the allegation and he pretty much just told me that if someone alleges a certain thing, they have to put a report, and it’s up to the judiciary,” Munster said.

“But honestly, there’s no malice or anything in it. I don’t think there was much in it either. So I’m very confident I’ll get off.”

Cameron Munster was accused of biting Paul Alamoti.Credit: Nine

Asked whether it’s even possible to bite an opponent with a mouthguard, Munster said: “No. I spoke to Paul Alamoti after the game, nothing bad there.

“He said he felt pressure and I said I didn’t bite him. That’s footy … I’ve got nothing to worry about.

“I’ve done a lot of silly things in the game and put my hand up for it. But I can put my hand on my heart there’s definitely nothing [in this] … Obviously 2018 was a great year for myself – until the grand final.

“I put my hand up with certain things that I definitely do in the games and I’m a very honest person.

“I can definitely put my hand on my heart with everything I’ve spoken about and there was no malice or even trying to bite.

“So I’m pretty disappointed, I’m trying to get that out of my game, all of those grubby little incidents that I’ve obviously done in the previous years.

Cameron Munster during the NRL grand final.Credit: Getty Images

“I’m working really hard on that type of stuff and for that to come out, it’s disappointing.

“Unfortunately, I just gotta let the judiciary decide and, and I’ll have a case and we’ll go from there,” he said on Sunday night.

Alamoti declined to expand on the incident.

“Whatever happens on the field stays on the field,” Alamoti said. “That’s all done, that’s in the back of my mind. I just want to celebrate.”

Asked if he held any ill will towards Munster, Alamoti said: “Definitely not.”

Earlier this season, Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan was banned for four weeks – ending his season – after being found guilty at the judiciary of biting Stephen Crichton.

Munster now remains in contention for a Kangaroos jersey for the upcoming Pacific Championships, but the Maroons pivot said a groin injury that has hampered him all season may ultimately rule him out.

“After that performance tonight, I don’t think they’ll be picking me mate,” he said.

“It is what it is. I’ll go and talk to the physios, the docs, the surgeon and see what’s best for me.

“I’ve pulled up pretty good, but at the end of the day I’ve gotta make sure my body’s right for the club and can’t afford to be going out there and playing.

“I love to represent my country, don’t get me wrong, but Melbourne Storm pay the wages, pay me and I need to make sure I’m fit and ready to go for a big preseason and whatever that looks like for next year.”