Melbourne Storm has received an extension as it decides whether to challenge Cameron Smith and Sam Kasianos suspensions at the NRL judiciary.
The Storm have until 3pm today (Monday) to inform the NRL what they will do, with Smith risking a two-game ban if he challenges and is found guilty of a dangerous contact tackle on Gold Coast forward Kevin Proctor.
Smith could still take an early plea and accept a one-game suspension. It would be his first ban in the past decade.
Kasianos charge of a dangerous high tackle will be a one-game ban whether he takes an early plea or challenges the charge and is found guilty. The only difference would be how many carry over points he receives.
If he is found guilty he would be suspended for one game and retain 50 carry over points, with 100 points equalling a one-game ban.
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Storm backs Cameron Munster and Josh Addo-Carr can avoid suspension with an early plea although they will both carry 75 points over – assuring a suspension if cited again this season.
The NRL granted the Storm an extension from midday to 3pm due to the number of charges faced this week.
Storm centre Will Chambers was not allowed to speak about the Smith incident when he faced the media on Monday morning but he did back his side to handle Smiths absence should he miss this Saturday nights clash with Manly Sea Eagles at AAMI Park.
“Weve shown throughout the year that we are able to cover all positions,” Chambers said.
“Jesse Bromwich was out for a few weeks and we covered well, Suli [Vunivalu] was out for a few weeks and we covered well there so I think we will be in a good space whoever plays on Saturday night.”
Chambers said whatever happened with suspensions this week would not distract the Storm.
“No. Not really,” Chambers said.
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Roy Ward is a Sports writer for The Age.
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