League greats Brad Fittler and Peter Sterling have come to the defense of titan hillbilly Kevin Proctor after it was confirmed he would be referred straight to justice for his alleged bite against Sharks halfback Shaun Johnson.
Proctor faces a long-term ban if charged by the Match Review Committee, which could potentially cause his season to end prematurely.
Former Bulldogs skipper James Graham received a 12-week ban on his bite on Billy Slater in the 2012 Grand Final.
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Titan explains its bite?
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However, Fittler believes that given the style of attack Johnson used on the Titans skipper, Proctor had no choice.
“The fact is, his arm is right in his mouth anyway,” said Fittler.
“The attack technique he’s holding on his shoulder. Poor old Kevin Proctor, that guy’s forearm is right in his throat. What should you do “
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Fittler believes Proctor’s reaction is in no way comparable to Graham’s bite on Slater.
“His mouth was around his arm, but I don’t think he had any other chance that it wasn’t,” said Fittler.
“Shaun doesn’t know where his arm was and then he obviously felt something, but I have compassion for Kevin Proctor that a guy’s forearm is right above his lips.
“It doesn’t really compare to James Graham at all.”
Peter Sterling asked why Proctor could possibly be charged without filing an official complaint.
“The interesting thing for me is that I always understood that an official complaint had to be made,” said Sterling.
“When will the responsibility be removed? When does it become official if no official complaint is made “
Meanwhile, Broncos striker Payne Haas is two to three weeks from dangerous head-and-neck contact.
Haas was cited for the dangerous second class head / neck contact with Siliva Havili in the 74th minute after losing last night to the Raiders.
The prosecution provides for a two-week suspension with an early objection or three weeks if found guilty.
Rabbitoh striker Liam Knight is banned from a game or two for a dangerous contact incident involving Cowboys opponent Jordan McLean.
Cowboy whore Jake Granville can avoid suspension with an early admission of guilt for dangerous contact with South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston.
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