Manly have taken the early guilty plea and accepted a seven match ban for star NRL forward Tony Williams.
Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey said earlier today he was shocked by the severity of the grade four dangerous throw charge handed down by the NRL's match review committee, after Williams' tackle on Cronulla's Isaac De Gois.
However, it seems the risk of losing at the judiciary was too great, with Williams facing 10 weeks on the sidelines if he was unsuccessful in downgrading the charge.
Williams could have escaped with a five week ban if he did successfully argue the charge should be downgraded, however after examining the incident and taking legal advice, Manly have opted for a safety first approach.
The seven week suspension rules the incumbent Test powerhouse out of Australia's clash with New Zealand in April, and would severely impact his NSW State of Origin chances.
