NRL: Maloney cleared to play Broncos

Warriors halfback James Maloney was found not guilty of a dangerous throw on Cronulla’s Anthony Tupou. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - The New Zealand Warriors' gamble to fight James Maloney's dangerous throw charge at the National Rugby League (NRL) judiciary paid off last night after the halfback was found not guilty.

Maloney is free to play halfback for the Warriors in Sunday's third round match with the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium - a significant boost considering first choice playmaker Brett Seymour is already ruled out with a long-term thumb injury.

The Warriors successfully argued Maloney did not have a significant role during a tackle that upended Cronulla forward Anthony Tupou early in last weekend's match in Auckland.

Maloney was charged with a grade one dangerous throw and would have been banned for a game had he entered an early guilty plea.

By contesting the charge he also risked missing the following round against Manly - because, if found guilty, carry over points from a previous charge would have pushed him over the two-game threshold.

Warriors second rower Lewis Brown copped an early guilty plea for his part in the tackle and will not travel to Brisbane.

The Warriors claimed it was Brown who instigated the tackle and Maloney's involvement was minimal.

A panel of Mark Coyne, Michael Buettner and Mal Cochrane agreed after considering the case for 10 minutes after an hour-long hearing.

Maloney was visibly relieved when the verdict was announced via video link.

Although video footage showed Maloney's arm between Tupou's leg he claimed he was powerless to stop Tupou being tilted before he dropped to the turf.

"I tried my best to pull out of it," he said.

- NZPA