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Last Updated: Tuesday, 14 March 2006, 09:36 GMT
Morley is banned for two matches
Adrian Morley takes on the
Morley says he will have to work on his tackling technique
Great Britain forward Adrian Morley has been banned for two games for a high tackle while playing for Sydney Roosters in Australia's NRL.

Morley was penalised under the league's new shoulder charge rule after tackling South Sydney scrum-half Ben Walker.

"During the tackle with Ben Walker my shoulder accidentally made contact with his head.

"There was no malice. I've called Ben to apologise and he's accepted. There are no hard feelings," said Morley.

"The last couple of years I've been doing a lot of work on my tackling technique, but the implication of this new rule is that there may be a bit more work."

Morley was charged for a grade-three careless high tackle under the NRL's new rules, which states players cannot make "reckless or intentional" contact with the arm or shoulder to the head of an opponent.

Morley has been in trouble for his tackling before and was dismissed after just 12 seconds of the first Ashes Test against Australia in 2003, although he controversially avoided suspension then.

The Roosters considered appealing against his latest ban, but decided to plead guilty and accept the two-game suspension.

Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said the Morley incident was a "test case", as it was the first time such an incident had occurred since the new rule came into operation.

"In this case, we just accepted the new rule is in place, the wording is very tight and we didn't think we would be successful in getting a downgrade from a grade three to a two," Canavan said.

"Adrian will do more work on his technique in relation to this situation as well."


SEE ALSO
Roosters launch talks with Morley
17 Jan 06 |  International


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