- The five-eighths storm was reported during the loss
- Strong scrutiny of the alleged act with Paul Alamoti
Cameron Munster avoided being charged over an alleged biting incident in the NRL grand final, with Penrith’s Paul Alamoti opting not to pursue the matter.
Alamoti claimed late in Sunday night’s grand final that Munster had bitten him on the arm and the Melbourne star was subsequently reported.
The match review committee on Monday found no conclusive evidence of an intentional bite.
Alamoti then refused to lodge a complaint and the NRL declared the matter closed.
“Whatever happens on the field, stays on the field, we’ll leave it at that,” Alamoti said in the dugouts after the Panthers’ 14-6 win secured the club a fourth consecutive title.
“I’ve just won the premiership, so that’s the last thing on my mind: I’m worried about the party.”
Munster immediately denied biting on the pitch and reinforced that stance after the match.
‘He (Alamoti) said he felt pressure and I said I didn’t bite him. “That’s football… I have nothing to worry about,” Munster said.
Pictured: The moment Cameron Munster allegedly bit Penrith’s Paul Alamoti on the forearm at the end of his team’s 14-6 loss to the Panthers.
The Storm star was informed by referee Ashley Klein (pictured), who said she saw saliva on Alamoti’s arm after the incident.
Munster denied the allegation and Alamoti decided not to pursue his complaint, meaning the Melbourne five-eighth will not have a case to answer.
“I have done a lot of stupid things in the game and raised my hand for it. But I can put my hand on my heart, there is definitely nothing.
“I accept certain things that I definitely do in games and I’m a very honest person.
‘I can definitely put my hand on my heart with everything I’ve talked about and (say) there was no malice or even an attempt to bite.
“So I’m quite disappointed, I’m trying to get out of my game all those little dirty incidents that I’ve obviously committed in the previous years.”
The alleged bite occurred as Munster was running downfield late in his team’s loss and was tackled by Alamoti.
The Penrith center placed his forearm on Munster’s face as he completed the tackle and appeared to make contact with the Storm star’s mouth.
Munster was then wearing a mouth guard.
Referee Ashley Klein stopped play and said: “It can’t be safe, it’s in the report.” They (the match review committee) will deal with it later… I just saw saliva.’
