Western Force lock Phoenix Battye was cited for a dangerous tackle on Reds star Will Genia. The good news is he was found not guilty and let off the hook.
Battye was alleged to have contravened Law 10.4 (j) when he lifted Reds player Will Genia in a tackle and drove him backwards so that Genia’s feet were above his head, causing Genia’s head and shoulder area to hit the ground in such a way that put him in danger of a serious injury.
The incident occurred in the 75th Minute of the match between the Western Force and Reds in Perth at NIB Stadium on 31st March 2012.
The SANZAR Judicial Hearing held via videoconference on Monday, April 2 was heard by Paul Tully, with no sanction imposed on the player.
In considering the matter, new evidence was presented by the Western Force that was not available to the Citing Commissioner.
This evidence showed that despite Battye lifting Will Genia, he neither dropped nor drove Genia’s head or upper body into the ground. The evidence demonstrated in fact he was protecting the player by bracing himself with his arms and knees so as to prevent the potential for injury to the player. In the end the tackle could not be seen as dangerous as required by the law for the Citing to be upheld.