1 Nov 2011

Kangaroos and Kiwis move on from 'cannonball' tackle controversy

6:44 am on 1 November 2011

The Kangaroos prop Paul Gallen insists Australia have moved on from their bruising Four Nations rugby league win over New Zealand and are fully focusing on Sunday's clash with England at Wembley.

The Kiwis hooker Issac Luke was cautioned this morning for his cannonball tackle to the legs of Kangaroos prop David Shillington during last Saturday's game in Warrington but the Rabbitohs rake escaped a ban and will be free to face Wales in the opening game of the double-header.

The Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens and his players were furious about the challenge by Luke, but Gallen says the incident hasn't been discussed since the game.

And the Kiwis assistant coach Tony Iro says the cannonball tackle is an unfortunate by-product of the modern game.

The incident was not put on report by referee Phil Bentham, but it was reviewed by an international panel, which issued Luke with a caution for "conduct contrary to the true spirit of the game".

A second caution during the tournament would see Luke automatically charged with an offence.