Although Roosters edge forward Victor Radley commented on the incident, saying “it looked like he did,” NRL head of football Graham Annesley was unable to comment on whether Kyle Flanagan had bitten Stephen Crichton on Saturday.
Former Roosters colleagues Flanagan and Radley are now teammates at the Dragons, where the playmaker has had a strong season in the half court to put his team in the running for the championship.
However, the judiciary will determine on Tuesday whether or not he bit Crichton, who had noticeable marks on his nose during the 63rd-minute incident that resulted in Flanagan being referred to NRL headquarters. This will determine his immediate future.
Radley remarked, “I believe he claimed not to have done it, but it appeared that he had.”
It’s entertaining to laugh at. I don’t really care, but I’m not sure.
“I doubt that you are able to bite someone. It is not inevitable that you will bite someone; you have the choice not to. A person does not bite oneself.
At his weekly briefing, Annesley was also questioned about it, but since the matter is still pending, he was unable to provide any specifics.
He remarked, “I can’t talk about it.”
“We have a hearing tomorrow night, so whatever I say—even about the process—could be contested in court by any party. I’m not trying to be evasive.
“I am not allowed to divulge any information that might be used as evidence tomorrow night.
“What is known is that the match review committee has filed a charge. I have only viewed the publicly available video footage that has been made available to the public, just like everyone else has.
“I haven’t seen any of the supporting documentation that the match review committee will present. I’m limited in what I can say about the incident until the legal process is concluded because I entered a not guilty plea.
Although it appeared as though Liam Martin had eliminated Daejarn Asi, allowing Daine Laurie to get free, the Bunker saw Martin collide with Blaize Talagi, causing the Panthers star to stumble into the defensive line.
“He stumbles when their feet collide,” Annesley remarked.
Every day, collisions occur on the field that aren’t the consequence of someone purposefully disobeying the rules.
“In my opinion, I agree with the decision they made, but I also recognize that there will be others who don’t.”
