Rugby League Live

Rugbyleaguelive & AAP | 30/04/09 | 0

South Sydney star Craig Wing and coach Jason Taylor aren’t happy with the NRL judiciary’s decision to clear Sharks captain Paul Gallen of a high tackle – with Taylor questioning Gallen’s decision to even fight the charge.

Wing has not trained for the Rabbitohs since taking a knock to the head in the tackle on Friday night, and is still struggling with headaches.

Gallen – who was charged with a grade one careless high tackle – convinced the judiciary Wing’s head made contact with his chest, not his arm.

But Wing, who was knocked unconscious by the tackle, insisted Gallen hit him high.

"Of course he did, he hit me flush," Wing told News Ltd last night.

"It's not like the first time I've been knocked out but I've been able to train all week before. It's never been an issue. But this time I've got headaches which is not cool."

Taylor said Gallen was lucky just to have been hit with a grade one charge, let alone to be cleared altogether.

"All I will say is that Craig Wing has not been able to train all week and is still getting headaches, so I'm not only surprised Paul Gallen got a grade one, I'm also surprised he chose to fight the charge," Taylor told News Ltd.

Gallen avoided suspension after Sharks coach Ricky Stuart made an extraordinary re-enactment of the tackle with Gallen in front of the judiciary.

After the verdict, Gallen pledged not to change the way he plays the game.

"I'm glad I got the opportunity to come and defend myself from the allegation," Gallen said.

"I knew it was not a high shot or a cheap shot.

"I'm definitely relieved I was found innocent.

"I will just go out there and play footy as hard and as tough as I can.

"I don't go out there to do anything wrong. I will keep playing the way I've always played footy."

The judiciary's decision means Gallen can play against the Roosters on Saturday, where he will have a final chance to show Australian selectors he deserves selection in the May 8 Test with New Zealand.

The Kangaroos squad will be named on Sunday.