Lussick referred straight to judiciary for tackle that broke Ilias’ leg

Freddy Lussick has been referred straight to the judiciary for a tackle that left South Sydney’s Lachie Ilias with a broken leg.

The New Zealand Warriors rake rushed through in the final minute of Saturday’s NSW Cup game against Souths and wiped out Ilias as he kicked.

Ilias, playing his third game in reserve grade since being dropped from the NRL side, had to be assisted from the field before scans confirmed a broken tibia.

Lussick was sent off at Accor Stadium. On Monday, the NSW Rugby League charged him with dangerous contact. His hearing is set for Wednesday.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster said he did not see the incident, and added after his side’s NRL victory on Saturday: “I’ve heard Freddy was trying to charge the football down, but I’m not across the situation. With 20 seconds to go, that’s probably going to have to be your mindset, otherwise you’re not going to win the game.”

Ilias told this masthead as he left Accor Stadium: “It hurts, but it’s footy. I know Freddy didn’t mean to do it. I know Freddy. I knew I had done something straight away. I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason. I just have to stay positive.”

Lachie Ilias is assisted from the field on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Parramatta have received a boost with Reagan Campbell-Gillard avoiding suspension for hitting Canberra’s Simi Sasagi with his shoulder.

Campbell-Gillard was placed on report for the 77th-minute shot on Sasagi during Sunday’s heavy 41-8 loss to the Raiders. The powerhouse prop was charged with a grade-one dangerous high contact, which carries an $1800 fine.

The Eels desperately need a win against North Queensland on Saturday, a task which would have been made all the more difficult without their best front-rower.

Chad Townsend was charged with grade-one dangerous contact for his tackle on Jayden Campbell, which led to him being sin-binned during the Cowboys’ big win on Sunday. Like Campbell-Gillard, Townsend can escape with a fine.

Meanwhile, South Sydney have entered an early plea for Latrell Mitchell, who will miss three matches for hitting Shaun Johnson in the face with his elbow. Mitchell was charged with grade-two dangerous contact.

Billy Slater said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show: “I think he’s very lucky that he’s only got three weeks on the sideline, and he’s very lucky that Shaun Johnson didn’t break his jaw because he would be missing half the season if he did.”

Mitchell will miss Saturday’s clash against Cronulla, followed by the Storm in Melbourne and Penrith at home.

Roosters winger Dominic Young also accepted a two-match ban for his high shot on Canterbury’s Blake Taaffe, which rules him out of Thursday’s match against his former club, Newcastle.

Golden Boots passes away

Balmain Tigers icon Keith Barnes has died, aged 89.

Nicknamed “Golden Boots” for his famously accurate goal kicking, Barnes played 194 games for the Tigers between 1955 and 1968 and is regarded as one of the greatest players to ever wear the black and gold.

Keith “Golden Boots” Barnes, pictured playing for the Tigers in 1968.

Barnes was honoured with the naming of a grandstand after him at Leichhardt Oval in 2009, acknowledging his contribution to the club, which included captain-coaching the Tigers toward the end of his career and then serving as Balmain chief executive.

The Welsh-born Barnes, who moved to Australia in his teens, played 17 Tests for the Kangaroos, captaining them 14 times, and 12 games for NSW.

Barnes’ prowess shooting for goal saw him regarded as the finest sharpshooter of his generation and his 1519 career points stood as the league’s all-time point-scoring record until it was broken by Eric Simms in 1973.

“Keith was one of the greatest fullbacks the game has seen,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.

“A wonderful goalkicker and prolific point scorer, he was slight in stature but built with extraordinary courage.

“The stories of Keith’s skills, but also importantly his leadership are renowned across the game, having captained the Kangaroos in 14 Test matches.

“Keith’s legend continued well after his playing career. He was instrumental in guiding so many of the game’s great players – particularly through his long association with Balmain.

“He was deservedly recognised for his contribution to the game with induction into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2007.

“On behalf of the commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to Keith’s family, and all those who knew him.”

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