Knights star cleared for GF after 'on the nose' hit
Knights prop Caitlan Johnston looks to be free to play in the NRLW grand final against the Titans after narrowly avoiding a ban for a high shot on Broncos lock Mariah Denman.
In the 16th minute of their 30-24 win at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Johnston and Knights skipper Hannah Southwell looked to have put a regulation hit on Denman, who stayed down after the tackle.
"Big tackle there, might have been a high shot … that looked right under the chin," Andrew Johns said in commentary for Nine.
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But the replay showed a different story.
"Sorry, not under the chin, on the nose," he said.
Caitlan Johnston has avoided a ban and is free to play the NRLW grand final against the Titans despite being charged for this high shot against the Broncos. (Nine)Both players stayed on the park, and Johnston scored the Knights' third try of the afternoon only minutes later.
The match review committee slapped Johnston with a grade one careless high tackle charge, and she was hit with a one-game ban. However, under rules that take into account how few games are played in the NRLW season, she will be free to play by paying a $400 fine.
Elsewhere, Brianna Clark will miss at least the first two games of next season for an ugly crusher tackle on winger Sheridan Gallagher in the 50th minute.
Watch both the 2023 NRL and NRLW grand finals live and free on Nine and 9Now
Bronco reported for ugly tackle"Hate those when you get your head caught like that, you start getting pins and needles go down your leg," Ruan Sims said.
Clark was hit with a grade one crusher charge, and offered two games with an early plea, or three if she fights the charge and loses.
The NRLW expanded to a nine-round 10-team competition for 2023, and discussions remain ongoing about a further expansion of both size and duration for 2024.
The NRLW grand final will take place at Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon, before the NRL grand final.
