League: Webcke and O'Meley may escape suspension

Australian test props Shane Webcke and Mark O'Meley have been used as examples to support the National Rugby League (NRL) judiciary system after being charged by the match review committee yesterday.

Brisbane front rower Webcke faces one week on the sidelines for a grade one dangerous throw charge but can escape suspension with an early plea.

And the Bulldogs' O'Meley will not face a ban over a grade one careless high tackle charge.

"Today's charge sheet emphasises how clean judiciary records and low-level offences can see players avoid suspension," NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said.

His comments came days after Annesley confirmed the NRL judiciary would be reviewed at the end of the year following Canberra skipper Simon Woolford's eight-match ban last Wednesday.

Woolford was hit with a grade two dangerous throw, a charge that carried a three-match ban.

But due to Woolford's abysmal record -- which included six previous but not similar offences -- the Canberra hooker was suspended for eight games.

Canberra were expected to learn yesterday whether they would be granted leave to appeal Woolford's ban.

However, Annesley said today's charge sheet showed the positive side of the current judiciary system.

"The grade one dangerous throw charge levelled at Broncos prop Shane Webcke is an example of the reduced points for minor offences in this area," he said.

"(And) a clean judiciary record will work in Mark O'Meley's favour following his charge for a grade one careless tackle.

"While we remain prepared to look at the effect of low grade charges on the loading system (at the end of the year), those players with good records are rewarded for their ability to stay within the rules of the game for an extended period.

"The points for less serious dangerous throws were adjusted down in 2003 to reflect that these tackles are not always of a nature that should lead to a suspension."

Webcke was charged for a lifting tackle on Melbourne winger Jake Webster during Brisbane's 28-15 win over the Storm on Sunday.

O'Meley was charged for a high tackle on Penrith prop Ben Ross in the Bulldogs' 18-16 victory over the Panthers last Friday.

- AAP