Brisbane reluctantly copped Sam Thaiday's two-match ban from the National Rugby League finals after getting expert legal advice that the chances of getting his dangerous throw charge downgraded were poor.
Coach Anthony Griffin revealed yesterday the club had spent two days wavering between seeking a downgrading, which would free Thaiday to play the qualifying final against the Warriors on Saturday, and accepting the ban.
It was advice from Geoff Bellew QC that tipped the balance, the Broncos accepting the risk of an extra week's suspension didn't justify a challenge.
Queensland and Australian forward Thaiday will now have to hope Brisbane progress through to the preliminary final so he can play again in skipper Darren Lockyer's farewell campaign.
