One of the game’s biggest names can thank some shonky work from a security company for saving him from unwanted headlines and a possible ban.
The player punched a patron at a bar and the NRL integrity unit was given the matter to investigate.
But high-ranking club officials got to the security company from the venue, who declared the player did nothing wrong.
As a result the case was dropped, much to the bemusement of several eyewitnesses.
It’s not the first time this player’s club has had to step in to save him from off-field drama.
BIG BOOST FOR BUNNIES
Tough forward Liam Knight has given South Sydney a massive boost by declaring he plans to be back on deck after only a month of the new season.
Knight suffered a torn ACL in July and had further surgery on the knee just before Christmas.
The NRL’s website has Knight out “indefinitely” while other sites have him missing half the season.
But Knight is back in training with a vengeance and aiming at a comeback around round five or six.
“I copped a cannonball tackle last July and had the surgery to repair the ACL,” Knight told Wide World of Sports.
“Then I had to go under the knife again to get a screw taken out in December but that was not as serious.
“The doctors are pleased with my progress and I am working hard – I’m happy with how it’s going.”
TIGERS ADD TO MIDDLE DEPTH
The Tigers have further added to their forward depth by signing Lebanese international James Roumanos from Manly.
Roumanos, 23, made his NRL debut for the Sea Eagles last year, playing just one game late in the season.
But Tim Sheens is a fan of the middle forward and he’ll start his new career with the Western Suburbs Magpies in the NSW Cup.
The Tigers have plenty of forward depth but over a long season, Roumanos may get a chance to add to his lone NRL game.
Bateman signs long-term Tigers deal
GUS LANDS TEEN STAR
There’s no stopping the recruitment drive of Gus Gould’s Bulldogs.
They’ve signed a promising 15-year-old hooker/lock from New Zealand, Albert Balchin, to a three-year deal.
Balchin’s dad is a former Junior Kiwi representative and the highly-rated youngster is destined to follow in his footsteps.
At 94 kilograms and 178cm tall, he has the ideal size and mobility to play at either nine or 13.
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