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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Josh Callinan

Newcastle RL: Opposing views on judiciary rulings at pointy end of season

Maitland's James Taylor and Macquarie's Bobby Treacy. Picture by Jonathan Carroll.

Macquarie's Steve Kidd expressed disappointment and questioned inconsistencies while Maitland's Matt Lantry described "two good results for two important players in our team".

The Newcastle Rugby League coaches had contrasting reactions to recent judiciary hearings, with opposite outcomes for their respective clubs at the pointy end of the 2022 season.

Kidd's Scorpions are now without Bobby Treacy for the rest of the play-offs while Lantry has the services of Pickers pair James Taylor and Pat Mata'utia for next weekend's decider.

Treacy (crusher tackle) was found guilty by the panel on Wednesday night and copped a three-game suspension, meaning the Scorpions forward is sidelined for Saturday's preliminary final against Cessnock at Toronto and won't be available for the title showdown if they qualify.

Maitland prop Taylor (dangerous contact) was given a not guilty verdict and walked away free on the same night, a fortnight after fellow forward Mata'utia (careless high tackle) successfully contested a charge and avoided any ban.

In what marks a double blow for Macquarie, Taylor's tackle resulted in Scorpions halfback Bayden Searle suffering a broken leg during last weekend's major semi clash.

"It's just disappointing and it's inconsistent," Kidd said.

Maitland's duo were represented by former NRL coach Garth Brennan.

"All in all, two good results for two important players in our team," Lantry said.

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