Adam Blair hit with one-week ban for hit on Adam Reynolds
BRONCOS enforcer Adam Blair is free to play in next week’s Test for the Kiwis but looks set to miss a tough trip to Cronulla for his shot on Adam Reynolds.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BRONCOS enforcer Adam Blair is free to play in next week’s Test for the Kiwis but looks set to miss a tough trip to Cronulla.
Blair was yesterday hit with a dangerous contact charge from last Friday’s spiteful clash against the Rabbitohs and is facing a one-match suspension.
The Broncos prop crunched Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds after he passed the ball, seemingly making contact with his head.
It was originally feared Reynolds had suffered a broken jaw for the second time this season but the Rabbitohs No.7 yesterday said he was preparing to play this week.
“Fingers crossed everything goes to plan and the specialist gives me the all-clear,” Reynolds said. “I’ve had some scans done and it sort of just shows what was already there in the first place.
“I’ve still got to get in and see a specialist and work out what the difference is and if there has been any more damage done. It (the jaw) is still a bit sore, but that’s to be expected, I suppose.”
Blair will miss a week regardless of an early guilty plea or fighting the charge and losing at the judiciary.
That means the Broncos could be tempted to plead not guilty in the hope of having the starting forward available for Sunday’s clash against the in-form Sharks, who are on a five-match winning streak.
The Broncos could argue Blair’s initial contact with Reynolds was not with the head or neck.
Either way, Blair will be available for selection for New Zealand, with Kiwi coach Steve Kearney to name his team on Sunday.
Reynolds was also charged for making contact with referee Jared Maxwell but will escape suspension. His teammate Paul Carter is facing a one-match ban for tripping Anthony Milford.
Broncos youngster Joe Ofahengaue can escape suspension with an early guilty plea for a high tackle on Carter.
Blair, hit Reynolds in the second half of the Broncos’ 30-8 NRL win on Friday at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, has been charged with grade one dangerous contact and faces a week out.
Reynolds returned to the match but there are fears he has suffered a broken jaw for the second time this season, although the full extent of his injury might not be known until Tuesday.
Reynolds, who is hopeful of facing the Tigers on Thursday night, was charged with contrary conduct for touching referee Jared Maxwell. He can escape a ban with an early guilty plea.
Rabbitohs teammate Paul Carter faces a week out for tripping Anthony Milford.
Joe Ofahengaue was hit with a careless high tackle charge but won’t miss any time.
Originally published as Adam Blair hit with one-week ban for hit on Adam Reynolds
Scrappy Storm edge past Eels in first test without Hughes
Melbourne emerged from CommBank Stadium with the points over Parramatta, but it wasn’t the kind of performance that will strike fear into their premiership rivals.
Late Mail: Trouble for Broncos as Haas struck down with illness
Superstar prop Payne Haas could be a shock withdrawal for the Broncos’ clash with the Rabbitohs after being struck down by illness, in what could be a double blow for the side after the loss of another forward.