By Australia Correspondent Rachel Morton
Bulldogs prop James Graham will miss 12 games after savaging Billy Slater’s ear in the NRL grand final - the longest ban for biting in Australian Rugby League history.
Graham arrived at rugby league headquarters today to dispute allegations that really couldn't be disputed, and while he had the backing of his club he didn't have the backing of his fellow countrymen.
“He's a disgrace to England - put that one in your commentary. Shocking he is,” said one fan.
Graham remained adamant he never bit Slater but it took the judiciary just 10 minutes to decide the Storm fullback was the victim of a dog bite.
“We're extremely disappointed with the result,” said Bulldog chief executive Todd Greenburg. “We simply went into tonight's proceedings and spoke the truth. No spin, no angle, no secret. No early guilty plea for reduction, we simply relied on the truth.”
Had Graham pleaded guilty the punishment would likely have been an eight-game ban.
“James is obviously shattered with the result. He'll now miss the opportunity to captain his country. He'll miss multiple games with us at the start of the 2013 season,” said Greenburg.
Other than a brief statement the Bulldogs refused to be questioned about what will be remembered as one of the dirtiest moments in an NRL grand final.
3 News
source: newshub archive
