Munster escapes ban for Origin kick
Munster #Munster
Cameron Munster concedes Liam Martin “got under his skin” but that he doesn’t need to address a discipline issue in his game after being charged with contrary conduct in Queensland’s record State of Origin loss to NSW.
Munster looked to kick out at the Blues backrower during the 50-6 loss in Townsville on Wednesday, the Maroons five-eighth saying post-game he “didn’t think there was much in it, but the video doesn’t look too good”.
The match review committee largely agreed, with Munster able to accept a $1,150 fine with an early guilty plea and be free to play for Melbourne against the Warriors on Sunday.
It was a similar incident to the one that saw him sin-binned in the 2018 NRL grand final loss to Sydney Roosters but Munster laughed off the idea that it had become a bad habit.
“I didn’t like what he’d done (in the tackle), it got under my skin and I’m a competitive person but in no way, shape, or form was I trying to hurt him,” Munster said.
Video: Blues’ disbelief at Kaufusi Origin let-off (Wide World of Sports)
Blues’ disbelief at Kaufusi Origin let-off
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“There was no full swing, more just him trying to get off me.
“I know deep down I didn’t try to fully kick him; if I did I’m sure he’d be on the floor.
“If Liam is listening, I’m sorry if he thought there was any malice in it.”
Munster’s teammate Kyle Feldt (dangerous contact) can also accept a fine while Gold Coast forward Moeaki Fotuaika (dangerous contact) would miss one game after both were reported in the loss.
Discussion around the NRL’s crackdown on high contact – and staging for penalties as a result – dominated the lead-up to the game.
But there wasn’t a penalty blown for a high tackle until the hour mark, NSW coach Brad Fittler applauding the officials for their handling of the contest under intense scrutiny.