Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes is free to play the Roosters in Saturday night's elimination final after the NRL Match Review Committee downgraded a dangerous contact charge.
Hynes was initially facing a one-match ban – two if he unsuccessfully challenged at the judiciary – after being charged with a Grade 2 offence over an alleged hip-drop tackle on Marcelo Montoya in last weekend's 24-6 win against the Bulldogs.
However, with an updated medical report confirming an ankle injury suffered by Montoya is not as severe as first thought, Hynes' charge has been altered to a Grade 1. The star playmaker now faces a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea.
"The Match Review Committee remains satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to justify a charge for the offence of Dangerous Contact against Nicho Hynes," the NRL said on Monday afternoon.
"When initially ascribing a grading to that offence, 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.
"Subsequently, the Match Review Committee has received a further report which materially alters the nature and extent of the injury suffered by the player.
"Following due consideration of this Report, the Match Review Committee has reviewed the charge against Nicho Hynes and in accordance with the Judiciary Code, has forwarded the player an amended Notice of Charge for the offence of Dangerous Contact (Grade 1)."
