Scott Higginbotham suspended for 3 weeks

Loose Forward Scott Higginbotham has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle.

Higginbotham was sent from the field after just eight minutes in Friday’s heavy 45-19 defeat to the Melbourne Rebels after his dangerous no-arms hit on lock Matt Philip.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee released a statement confirming they have accepted a guilty plea from Higginbotham for contravening Law 9.13 - A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. 

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including a statement from the player and submissions from his legal representative, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13. This was an objectively dangerous tackle." 
 
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the Players direct contact by the Player's shoulder to his opponents head. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's good record over a long career, the lack of injury to the victim and his guilty plea at the earliest possible opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks."

Higginbotham has been suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including the Saturday 17 March 2018.