NSW State of Origin star Tyson Frizell has been left frustrated with a one week ban as Josh Reynolds escapes suspension for a trip.
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The Dragons are yet to decide whether to challenge the one week suspension offered to Frizell, for putting his hand on referee Chris James’s chest on Friday night.
Frizell appears to motion for James to move out of the way after being penalised in the fourth minute of the 13-10 loss at ANZ Stadium.
Penrith’s Sam McKendry was suspended for contact with officials earlier this year, but Canterbury prop David Klemmer successfully defended a similar charge at the judiciary.
Brisbane's James Roberts and Parramatta's Kieran Foran both avoided bans with early pleas, while Corey Norman, Trent Merrin, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Jamie Soward escaped charges for similar acts.
Second-rower Joel Thompson is expected to take the one-week suspension for a careless high tackle on Dogs forward Josh Jackson.
However, a trip by Reynolds on Thompson in the first half has irked the Dragons’ camp.
Reynolds’ left leg makes contact with Thompson as he steps back inside and stumbles only to be stopped centimetres short of the line.
Coach Paul McGregor described the incident as “controversial”, saying he was surprised it wasn’t pulled up as a reportable offence. “I’ll leave that to the powers that be, I’m not here to referee,” McGregor said.
The loss was the Dragons fourth in a row and all but ends their finals hopes, needing to win at least four remaining games to have any hope, starting with the Broncos clash in Wollongong on Thursday.
“We were held down just short three or four times,” captain Gareth Widdop said after the game.
We kept trying and we kept fighting.
“The effort was there and that’s what we’re after, the last few weeks the effort at times hasn’t been there, which is disappointing.”
Thompson is poised to sign a new contract with the club, as the Dragons ramp up efforts to chase former State of Origin superstar Jarryd Hayne.
But for now the Dragons desperately need a win and draw a line under a week of turmoil.
Tim Lafai and Siliva Havili were stood down indefinitely by the club last week after being charged with affray in the fallout of a drunken brawl at Fever Nightclub.
NRL – Round 20
Thursday (7.50pm)
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA v BRISBANE
WIN Stadium
TV: Live on Nine and Fox Sports 1
