Munster free to play after dangerous contact charge downgraded

Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster has escaped suspension after his dangerous contact charge was downgraded. The NRL match review committee initially gave Munster a grade two charge for his low tackle on Manly's Taniela Paseka, but the league says new information warranted it being classed as a grade one. What's next? The Melbourne Storm have the bye next week in round 24, then host the Penrith Panthers in round 25. Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster has avoided suspension after the NRL Match Review Committee downgraded his dangerous contact charge from Saturday's win over Manly. Munster was initially facing a week on the sidelines, and two if he unsuccessfully challenged the charge, for a low tackle at the knees of Sea Eagles prop Taniela Paseka. The Storm star was the third man in to the tackle, targeted the legs of Paseka, and left the Manly big man in pain. Paseka was helped from the field, and Munster was charged with a grade two dangerous contact. But the MRC has now downgraded that to a grade one, after receiving a medical report that shows Paseka's injury may not be as bad as first feared. A statement from the NRL says new information warranted the charge being downgraded, which means Munster can cop a $750 fine for pleading guilty. "When initially ascribing a grading to Melbourne Storm's Cameron Munster for the charge of dangerous contact, the MRC considered the contents of a medical report provided by the injured player’s club, which offered preliminary details as to the nature and extent of the injury," the NRL statement said. "Subsequently, the match review committee has received a further report which materially alters the nature and extent of the injury suffered by the player. "Pursuant to Rule 61 of the NRL Judiciary Code, where further expert or medical information warrants a different grading, the match review committee may authorise the match review manager to amend the grading and issue an amended notice of charge. "Following due consideration of this report, the match review committee has reviewed the charge against Cameron Munster and, in accordance with the judiciary code, has forwarded the player an amended notice of charge for the offence of dangerous contact (grade 1)." Munster made his return to action following a knee injury in the Storm's win over the Sea Eagles in Perth, keeping alive their very slim finals hopes. The Storm have the bye next week, then must win their remaining three matches starting with a clash against Penrith at AAMI Park. Even if the Storm win their remaining three matches, they will need other results to go their way. The ABC of SPORT Sports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday. [Image text:] oneills 11 Bud Cameron Murstol SUZUKI Dir STORM