18 Oct 2011

Packer cops one-week ban for high shot

6:48 am on 18 October 2011

The New Zealand rugby league prop Russell Packer has escaped with just a one-match ban for his high shot on Australian skipper Darren Lockyer in Sunday's one-off Test in Newcastle.

The international match review committee went easy on the Kiwi's hardman after he collected Lockyer with what appeared to be an elbow to the jaw in the opening minute of the 42-6 loss to the Kangaroos.

The match was Lockyer's first since his NRL career was brought to a premature end when he fractured his cheekbone in Brisbane's semi-final win over St George Illawarra last month.

Lockyer, who will retire at the end of the Four Nations, refused to be too critical of Packer's reckless attack, and it seems the match review committee was of a similar view.

The Kiwis have until 1pm on Tuesday to decide whether to contest the charge, with a possible hearing set down for 8pm that night.

If Packer does cop the ban, he will miss the rematch with Australia in Warrington on October the 28th when the two sides open their Four Nations campaigns.

The defending champion Kiwis have front-row back-up in their squad, with Ben Matulino having been rested from Sunday's match while Kevin Proctor could also be an option up front.