South Sydney Rabbitohs star Issac Luke is free to play against the Sydney Roosters on Thursday after being cleared of a grade one dangerous contact charge in an emotional judicial hearing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Souths hooker was found not guilty of the charge after convincing the NRL judiciary panel he kicked out against Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis out of necessity.
Luke and his defence lawyer Nick Ghabar, told the panel the Souths star feared for his life after being placed in an alleged "crusher" tackle by Ennis.
There was a risk Luke would receive a two-match ban If he unsuccessfully fought the charge and there was no hiding the sense of relief once the verdict was announced. Though Luke said he already escaped the most severe punishment.
When leaving the hearing, he told the media he thought he could have broken his neck in the tackle.
"Look, anyone who is put in a vulnerable position there sort of thinks about it," Luke said.
Souths' defence team argued Luke kicked out to protect himself from potential harm in a tackle that made it difficult for him to breath.
Ghabar argued Luke feared for his safety as a result of Ennis' tackle and was forced to prop his neck up from the ground with his fist as his head was pushed into his chest, preventing him from breathing.
When asked why he kicked out at Ennis, Luke said; "it was the first time I had he opportunity to free myself. I was worried about my neck, I didn't want to break it. It was pretty scary. From the first time I was placed in that hold I found it hard to break... I was worried about breaking my neck."
It was accepted Luke's actions did not possess the recklessness or carelessness to be guilty of dangerous conduct.
The ruling is a significant boost for Souths' hopes of winning the minor premiership with halfback Adam Reynolds already suspended for the match against the Roosters.
The Rabbitohs must win on Thursday and hope Manly lose against the Cowboys to finish top.