North Queensland Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter has been found guilty of a high tackle ahead of the NRL finals, but was successful in having the charge downgraded meaning he will be free to play against the Cronulla Sharks this weekend.
Originally slapped with a Grade 2 careless high tackle for a first minute shot in the Cowboys surprise loss to the Canberra Raiders in Townsville on Saturday, Cotter pled not guilty to the offence.
The plea saw a hearing - lasting a little over 90 minutes - take place on Tuesday evening where Cotter fought for his spot in the finals, risking a second match on the sidelines by doing so.
Cotter's defence hinged on the fact he had been bumped into the high contact by teammate Coen Hess during the first play of the Cowboys loss.
The tackle, which saw retiring prop Josh Papalii sent for a HIA, and Cotter sent to the sin bin, was argued to be direct contact by the NRL though with little mitigation.
The NRL's case was backed unanimously by the judiciary panel in the first instance, before Cotter went on to challenge the grading of the shot.
That saw his charge downgraded to a Grade 1 offence, and Cotter will instead now pay a fine and be free to play on Saturday evening against the Sharks.
Cotter is one of the Cowboys' most crucial players, and the forward will take his place at lock in an engine room that will also feature Jason Taumalolo and Griffin Neame for the do or die clash against the Sharks in Sydney.
The game will be played at Allianz Stadium instead of Shark Park, a decided boost to the Cowboys in their hopes of progressing through to Week 2 of the finals after finishing the regular season in eighth spot.
