Rugby League: Currier defended: Anxious Rovers

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS are waiting anxiously for disciplinary hearings on both sides of the world this week, writes Dave Hadfield. Andy Currier faces a ban when he appears at Leeds on Thursday as the first victim of the League's clampdown on high tackles.

Currier was sent off for a late, high tackle on Paul Newlove on Friday night, but his coach, Steve Martin, claims that he should be cleared. 'The media have crucified him, but he caught Newlove on the chest,' he said. 'The video shows that quite clearly and the only question left is whether he was committed to the tackle before the ball was released.'

Currier is expected to make a personal appearance to contest the charge.

Tomorrow in Sydney, the outcome of a disciplinary case will determine how long Featherstone have to wait for their new loan signing, Paul Osborne.

Canberra's first-choice prop, John Lomax, was sent off - also for a high tackle - and, if Lomax is suspended, Osborne will play in the Grand Final on Sunday and will not be able to leave for Britain until next week.

The Swinton chairman, Malcolm White, has predicted a revolt by Second Division clubs against the proposals for a football-style Premier League that will be debated next month. White said that opposition to the plan is growing and that there could be a motion of no confidence in Maurice Lindsay, the League's chief executive, at the meeting on 5 October.