Aug 14th, 2018

Aug 14th, 2018

Cronulla and Melbourne might have a fierce rivalry on the field but that hasn’t stopped Sharks captain Paul Gallen launching an impassioned defence for Storm skipper Cameron Smith after a questionable chicken wing tackle on Sunday.

Smith escaped punishment for the incident from the NRL’s match review committee which saw him grab hold of Cronulla winger Sosaia Feki’s arm and pull him to the ground during Sunday’s loss to the Sharks at AAMI Park.

The Storm’s tactics of applying wrestling holds in tackles often comes under scrutiny and prompted the NRL to crack down on several illegal moves including grapple, crusher and chicken wing tackles.

“I’m happy to leave a lot out there,” Gallen told 100% Footy.

(Supplied) Paul Gallen told 100% Footy that Cameron Smith let go of his tackle before it crossed the line.

“We did plenty as well especially against Melbourne Storm. There’s plenty of chat, plenty of niggle. He (Smith) almost got him there but he realised it and let him go.”

Phil Gould added: “I highlighted the Cameron Smith one during the game, not because he did anything illegal but to show his strength at pulling down a bloke by one hand.

“He never had a hold on anything else, but one-on-one he was able to get a hold of his arm and pull the bloke down.”

Gallen was less forgiving of another chicken wing tackle during Sunday’s match from Melbourne backrower Felise Kaufusi on Sharks centre Josh Dugan.

(Supplied) Felise Kaufusi's tackle was as close as you can get without getting charged according to Paul Gallen.

“This one to me looks a whole lot worse,” Gallen said.

“He’s got his arm in a chicken wing position and that for me is dangerous.

“I think Kaufusi knew it was getting dangerous and he let go, because he knew it was getting into that position where it was getting bad and Dugan obviously screamed.

“That’s as close as you can get without getting charged.”