NRL match review committee coordinator Michael Buettner has explained why Bulldogs forward Sam Kasiano was not charged for his tackle on Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop in the elimination final at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.
Widdop had a field goal attempt charged down, before being collected by Frank Pritchard while on the ground recovering the ball. Kasiano then also landed heavily on Widdop.
"It was deemed by the match review committee, in regards to Sam Kasiano, that he was entitled to come down on Gareth Widdop who had played at the ball and was looking to get up and play on from that position," Buettner said on NRL HQ.
"Obviously his head does get in a dangerous and vulnerable position, but we felt there was a lot of footy in this incident and he was entitled to do it."
Pritchard was hit with grade one dangerous contact but will fight the charge at the judiciary on Tuesday night.
Buettner also commented on Sharks hooker Michael Ennis's grade one careless high tackle on Rabbitohs forward Chris McQueen.
"You can see here he makes contact to the head of McQueen," Buettner said.
"Fortunately for Michael Ennis on this occasion, despite the fact he had loading and carryover points, it took him to just under the 100-point mark, so he is available to play this week against the Cowboys."
Buettner also gave explanations on the charges to Rabbitohs players Luke Keary and Greg Inglis.
Cronulla's Wade Graham and Canterbury's Greg Eastwood were handed "concerning act" notices from the match review committee and their clubs will be asked to address those issues with the players in question.
