Canberra legend Jason Croker has accused the National Rugby League of bias against the Raiders, after Jack Wighton was controversially cited for a shoulder charge.
Canberra Raiders fullback Jack Wighton Photo: Photosport
A key figure in the Green Machine's sprint to the top two, Wighton's season could be over if found guilty of the grade two offence.
He faces a ban of up to four games after becoming the latest to fall foul of the NRL's crackdown on the controversial tackle.
Canberra confirmed Wighton will plead not guilty and fight the charge at the judiciary, with the NRL then announcing the hearing will take place in Sydney tonight.
The star fullback's citation came shortly after the league launched its finals series at Allianz Stadium, and a day after Cronulla rake Michael Ennis avoided censure over an apparently similar tackle on Melbourne's Blake Green.
That left Croker, who played 318 games for the Raiders from 1991-2006 and was a part of their most recent premiership-winning side in 1994, fuming.
"I don't know what they're thinking because that's just ridiculous," he told AAP.
"I know there's a duty of care for players but Joel (Edwards) was fine.
"I don't think they're too fond of the Raiders - they always get shafted, the poor bastards.
"We're pretty one-eyed down here but they do get the raw end, there's no doubt about that. The 50-50 calls often go against them. It's just disappointing.
"Common sense has got to prevail but I don't know if they've got it there (at the NRL)."
In issuing its match review committee findings, the league took the unusual step of explaining what it saw as the differences between the Wighton and Ennis tackles.
Match Review Committee Coordinator Michael Buettner said "there was a clear difference in the tackle performed by Sharks hooker Michael Ennis who was not charged and the Wighton tackle.
"We look for three key indicators when determining whether a shoulder charge has been made," Buettner said.
"They are:
1. The upper arm of the defender must be tucked in to his side at contact
2. The defender is making no attempt to wrap in the tackle with both arms
3. There is forceful contact by the defender to any part of the body of the attacking player."
The NRL also issued photos to illustrate its point.
If Wighton is found not guilty he will be free to play in Saturday's qualifying final against Cronulla at GIO Stadium. If guilty his season will be over.
If the charge is downgraded by the judiciary he will miss two matches.
- AAP
