Storm star Brandon Smith has escaped a ban for his hip-drop tackle on Titans skippers Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, with the NRL instead slapping the Roosters-bound hooker/forward with a fine.
The 26-year-old can get away with an $1,800 fine for an early guilty plea or $2,500 should he unsuccessfully challenge the fine.
It comes after Storm coach Craig Bellamy pleaded the Match Review Committee to ignore the “hysteria” surrounding the tackle and not take any action on Smith.