Reuben Cotter, guilty of a high tackle, successfully downgraded the charge and will play against the Sharks this weekend.
North Queensland Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter has been found guilty of a high tackle ahead of the NRL finals, but was successful in having the charge downgraded meaning he will be free to play against the Cronulla Sharks this weekend.
Originally slapped with a Grade 2 careless high tackle for a first minute shot in the Cowboys surprise loss to the Canberra Raiders in Townsville on Saturday, Cotter pled not guilty to the offence.
The plea saw a hearing - lasting a little over 90 minutes - take place on Tuesday evening where Cotter fought for his spot in the finals, risking a second match on the sidelines by doing so.
Cotter's defence hinged on the fact he had been bumped into the high contact by teammate Coen Hess during the first play of the Cowboys loss.