Cameron Munster not charged by NRL over accusation he bit Penrith’s Paul Alamoti
Cameron Munster will be free to play for the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships after he was not charged over an allegation he bit Penrith’s Paul Alamoti in the NRL grand final.
Alamoti chose not to pursue his claim post-match as he celebrated his team’s remarkable fourth consecutive premiership.
“Whatever happens on the field, stays on the field, we’ll leave it at that,” Alamoti told AAP in the sheds after the Panthers’ 14-6 triumph.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I’ve just won a premiership so that is the last thing on my mind, I’m worried about partying.”
The NRL also found no clear evidence of the claim and announced no action would be taken on Monday morning.
“Please be advised that there were no charges from the NRL Match Review Committee following the NRL Grand Final,” the NRL said in a statement.
The Melbourne five-eighth was tackled by Alamoti as he attempted to lead his team upfield and the Penrith centre’s arm came across Munster’s face.
Replays were unclear if Munster bit down on Alamoti’s arm.
Referee Ashley Klein initially let play continue before halting the game and placing Munster on report.
“It can’t be certain, it’s on report,” Klein said.
“They (the match review committee) will deal with it later ... I just saw saliva.”
On the field, Munster was insistent he did not bite Alamoti and told reporters after the match “there was nothing in it”.
“I spoke to Ash about the allegation and he pretty much just told me that if someone alleges a certain thing, they have to put a report and it’s up to the judiciary,” Munster said.
“But honestly there’s nothing in it ... So I’m very confident I’ll get off.”
Munster was wearing a mouthguard during the game and said after years of pushing the boundaries, he was a reformed character.
“He (Alamoti) said he felt pressure and I said I didn’t bite him. That’s footy ? I’ve got nothing to worry about,” Munster said.
“I’ve done a lot of silly things in the game and put my hand up for it. But I can put my hand on my heart there’s definitely nothing.
“I put my hand up with certain things that I definitely do in games and I’m a very honest person.
“I can definitely put my hand on my heart with everything I’ve spoken about and (say) there was no malice or even trying to bite.
“So I’m pretty disappointed, I’m trying to get that all of those grubby little incidents out of my game that I’ve obviously done in the previous years.”
With AAP
