Knights slam ‘offensive’ judiciary

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STRICKEN Knight Alex McKinnon has commenced discussions with a lawyer, as his club slammed the NRL judiciary's handling of the tragedy as "offensive" and "insensitive".

In a dramatic aftermath to Jordan McLean's seven-week suspension on Wednesday night, Newcastle issued an explosive statement that criticised the judiciary and match review committee for:

•Not charging the two other Melbourne players involved in the tackle; Jesse and Kenny Bromwich.

•Allowing McLean to take the field last weekend.

•Allowing suggestions that McKinnon contributed to the injury by ducking his head just before impact with the turf.

•General inconsistencies in grading.

Alex McKinnon gets stretchered off the field. Source: News Corp Australia

The Daily Telegraph can also reveal McKinnon's management has made contact with a Sydney-based lawyer, Daniel McGirr, to handle his future affairs.

BROKEN NECK ADDED FOUR WEEKS

There has been no discussion of any legal claim as yet, with the immediate focus fixed on establishing McKinnon's final diagnosis and the extent of insurance offered by the NRL.

Melbourne are also giving further consideration to appeal McLean's ban, but Storm officials would have been ambushed by the boldness of Newcastle's statement on Thursday night.

Alex McKinnon of the Knights lays on the ground after being tackled. Source: Getty Images

Having remained silent about the judiciary process since McKinnon's injury last Monday, the Knights vented their frustrations "with the inconsistencies in relation to the NRL judiciary".

Newcastle were most incensed with suggestions – tentatively advanced by McLean's defence counsel Nick Ghabar on Wednesday night – that McKinnon had contributed to the injury.

The statement read: "Firstly, the Club takes great offence to suggestions Alex McKinnon contributed to his injury when he was totally helpless in a three-man tackle and left with no ability to protect himself."

The remark is reflective of coach Wayne Bennett's long-held opposition to gang tackles.

Further criticisms of the grading and charging process also echo Bennett's anger over prop Kade Snowden receiving a seven-week suspension late last year for a contentious shoulder charge that broke the jaw of Cowboys utility Ray Thompson.

Jordan McLean arrives for NRL judiciary hearing on his tackle on Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

The Knights felt all three Storm tacklers should have been charged, and also expressed disappointment the NRL's initial decision to stand down McLean was overturned last week.

"Secondly, the club is disappointed only McLean was charged," the statement continued.

"His defence acknowledged the involvement of his two teammates in the tackle contributed to Alex's injury, however they have escaped penalty.

"Thirdly, the club applauds the NRL's decision to postpone the hearing while everyone focused on Alex's recovery, however found it insensitive McLean was permitted to play before Wednesday's hearing.

"Finally, while the Club understands the length of suspension was always going to polarise opinion, the major disappointment lies in the grave inconsistencies of gradings, especially in comparison to recent cases."

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It emerged on Thursday that McLean's tackle was classified as a grade two dangerous throw, after judiciary chairman Paul Conlon answered calls to release the panel's breakdown of the 725-point penalty.

That meant the penalty ascribed 400 points – or four games – to the severity of McKinnon's injury.

NRL boss Dave Smith personally spoke to McLean after the hearing to offer his support.

Should McLean accept the suspension, it's likely he will take at least one week off to clear his head and possibly return to family in Canberra.

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg expressed his sympathy for all involved, including the judiciary panel.

Newcastle fans hold signs in respect for injured player Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

"There has been no case like this in recent memory and it was always going to be a difficult case for the independent panel," Greenberg said.

"There is a process in place which was followed but it is clearly a tragic and extraordinary set of circumstance that we are dealing with."

McKinnon remains in a Melbourne hospital with immediate family by his side after emerging from a coma earlier this week.

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