League: Wiki cleared of head-high tackle

SYDNEY - New Zealand Warriors forward Ruben Wiki was cleared of any National Rugby League (NRL) action after his rugged tackle on Shannon McDonnell last Saturday because he hit the top of the Wests Tigers player's chest and not his head.

McDonnell suffered rib damage and was having a bone scan today as a result of the tackle, which so angered Tigers coach Tim Sheens that he asked the judiciary for an explanation.

The NRL's chief video reviewer, Greg McCallum, said McDonnell was held and struggling to break free from a tackle by two Warriors players, when Wiki rushed into the tackle, bracing for contact with his arm tucked into his body.

"Initial contact is mostly body on body between players," McCallum said in a report on incidents during NRL matches last weekend.

"Wiki's arm/forearm makes significant contact with McDonnell's chest, and then pushes forward as McDonnell falls to the ground.

"McDonnell's head hits the ground heavily as he falls."

- NZPA