Melbourne forward Jordan McLean will be permitted to play against the Bulldogs in Perth on Saturday after being granted leave by the NRL Judiciary Chairman.
He will have his charge heard next Wednesday, April 2.
Mr Paul Conlon SC said that, under its rules, the NRL had no option but to stand down Jordan until his dangerous throw charge was heard.
But he said any player stood down would normally have his case heard before his next game.
In this case, the NRL and Melbourne Storm had agreed to defer the hearing out of respect for Newcastle forward Alex McKinnon, who was injured in the tackle.
“In my view, both the NRL and the Melbourne club should be commended for this sensible and sensitive approach to the tragic situation with which they have been confronted,” Mr Conlon said.
Mr Conlon found that “exceptional circumstances” existed in this case because the hearing had been deferred and he ruled that Jordan is entitled to play this weekend.
His charge will be heard by the NRL Judiciary on Wednesday, April 2.
Meanwhile, Souths prop George Burgess is free to play against the Raiders on Sunday after successfully having his high tackle charge downgraded on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Souths prop George Burgess is free to play against the Raiders on Sunday after successfully having his high tackle charge downgraded on Wednesday night.
Burgess was cited for a Grade 2 careless high tackle on Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco in the Rabbitohs' loss last Friday night.
But in the first judiciary case of the season, a panel of Royce Ayliffe, Michael Vella, and Paul Whatuira decided to downgrade the charge to grade 1, leaving the English international free to play on Sunday.
In other judiciary news, Manly prop Jason King has taken the early guilty plea and will miss a week. King was cited for a Grade 1 shoulder charge on Eels forward Peni Terepo.
All the other players cited from the weekend have taken the early plea and will be free to play. They include:
- James Gavet, Wests Tigers, Grade 1 detrimental conduct.
- Ben Te'o, Rabbitohs, Grade 1 careless high tackle.
- Bryson Goodwin, Rabbitohs, Grade 1 careless high tackle.
- Kane Evans, Roosters, Grade 1 careless high tackle.
- Adam Docker, Panthers, Grade 1 dangerous throw.