Manly Seeks Legal Advice After Players Charged While Eels’ Sivo Escapes with Fine

Manly Rugby League team has swiftly taken action by consulting lawyer Nick Ghabar to examine a contentious lifting tackle incident involving skipper Daly Cherry-Evans and back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu, resulting in both players facing potential two-match suspensions.

The aftermath of Manly’s victory over Parramatta presented a grade-two dangerous contact charge to Cherry-Evans and Olakau’atu on Saturday morning, following their clash the night before. Meanwhile, Maika Sivo of the Eels, who was sin-binned for elbowing Reuben Garrick in the face, has been offered to settle the matter with a $3000 fine for dangerous contact.

During the game, Olakau’atu was shown a yellow card for a lifting tackle on Shaun Lane, causing Lane to express discomfort in the neck region. However, Lane was able to continue playing. Notably, no immediate on-field action was taken against Cherry-Evans for his involvement in the incident.

Anthony Seibold, the coach of the Sea Eagles, commented after the match, emphasizing that Olakau’atu’s tackle on Lane was not a typical dangerous tackle but rather a solid one targeting the stomach. He also mentioned that Cherry-Evans’ role in the tackle led to an unfortunate landing position for Lane, though Cherry-Evans remained on the field following the incident.

The Sea Eagles are in the top four on the NRL ladder and are scheduled to play against Canberra and the Dolphins in the upcoming weeks. Manly, in collaboration with lawyer Nick Ghabar, may pursue a downgrade to a grade-one dangerous throw, which would potentially result in Cherry-Evans and Olakau’atu receiving $1000 fines instead.

While Sivo’s fine and sin-bin punishment have sparked discussion among Parramatta fans, with questions raised on the inconsistency of penalties, Ryan Matterson from the Eels has also been charged with a careless high tackle on Luke Brooks, carrying the risk of a $1000 fine.

This news article has been covered by Sydney Morning Herald and Channel 9, highlighting the ongoing developments in the NRL.