The Melbourne Storm and Warriors are hoping to use the same loophole South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell used to get their own stars to return to the field sooner in season 2022.
Mitchell, who late last season was banned for six games due to a high shot on Joey Manu, will return in Round 2 and not Round 3 after South Sydney successfully argued that the fullback’s omission from the NRL All Stars clash should be counted as part of the suspension.
As it stands, Melbourne’s Brandon Smith is facing a one-match suspension for his role in the Storm’s infamous white powder video during the off-season, while Warriors young star Reece Walsh was rubbed out for two games after being caught in possession of cocaine at the end of 2021.
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According to the Sydney Morning Herald, both the Warriors and Storm are seeking the same treatment Mitchell was given.
Their arguments are Smith and Walsh would’ve been automatic selections for the recent NRL All Stars clash. Smith has previously represented the Maori, but teenage Walsh has not. He did, though, have a stellar 2021 season after leaving the Broncos.
Smith would’ve been a certainty to play for the Maori All Stars, while Walsh could’ve represented either the Maori or Indigenous team due to heritage from both sides.
It’s understood Walsh would’ve chosen the Maori All Stars had he been available for selection.
“If we now count the All Stars game, he should only have to serve one NRL game,” Warriors CEO Cameron George told the SMH.
“If they are going to be consistent with the judicial findings after the judicial decision yesterday, and it’s crucially important that the game is… it needs to be addressed very quickly.
“We’re dealing with two different penalties; one imposed by the judiciary with the ability to review and amend, and then we’re dealing one which [NRL CEO] Andrew Abdo imposed himself.
“I assume Andrew would have the discretion to review and revisit his penalties.”