Cowboys to contest grading of charges against top forward
RUGBY LEAGUE: The Warwick Cowboys club is contesting the grading of two dangerous throw charges that could end the grand final dreams this season of forward Mick Bloomfield.
Bloomfield faces the charges after two tackles in the first half of the Warwick 17-10 win against Pittsworth in the top-of-the-table clash at Pittsworth on Saturday night.
If Warwick accepted an early plea, Bloomfield would miss seven weeks of football. With three rounds to go, Warwick is likely to have a minimum of five and maximum of seven games left this season, depending on where they finish on the table and results during the finals series.
At present, Warwick is first on for-and-against and if they win the minor premiership, they will sit out the first week of the finals.
Cowboys president David O'Leary said his club would be informing the league today that they would be contesting the gradings of the dangerous throw charges.
"We are surprised by the gradings and think it is excessive for a player who has never been to the judiciary before,” O'Leary said.
"The charges are also seen as excessive based on some of the tackles against the Cowboys this season.”
"We will be seeking downgrades to the charges.”
Bloomfield played for the Killarney Cutters before joining the Warwick Cowboys this season, where he has been one of the best, week-in, week-out, in the A-grade march to the finals.
The Warwick Cowboys forward is one of approximately 12 players charged from the weekend's TRL games in all grades.
A TRL spokeswoman confirmed the charges against Bloomfield and said all clubs/players who contest the charges will face the judiciary in Toowoomba from 6pm tomorrow.
Bloomfield will be accompanied by Cowboys officials to the judiciary meeting.