Cameron Munster is set to face scrutiny from the NRL’s match review committee after being placed on report for an alleged bite in Melbourne’s grand final loss.
The Storm five-eighth was racing downfield late in Sunday’s 14-6 loss to Penrith at Accor Stadium when tackled by Paul Alamoti.
Penrith centre Alamoti placed his arm across Munster’s face as he completed the tackle and his forearm appeared to go near the Storm five-eighth’s mouth.
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Munster, who was wearing a mouthguard, played the ball and the game moved downfield before referee Ashley Klein blew his whistle.
Klein halted play and turned to Munster and said: “It can’t be certain, it’s on report. They (the match review committee) will deal with it later…I just saw saliva.”
Channel Nine commentator Mat Thompson said: “The referee actually is saying we can’t prove anything, there is no penalty so play will continue as normal.”
Andrew Johns added: “some will say he shouldn’t have had his arm there. But it is irrelevant.”
On the field, Munster was insistent he did not bite Alamoti and told reporters after the match “there was nothing in it”.
“I spoke to Ash about the allegation and he pretty much just told me that if someone alleges a certain thing, they have to put a report and it’s up to the judiciary,” Munster said.
“But honestly there’s nothing in it … So I’m very confident I’ll get off.”
Munster was wearing a mouthguard during the game and said after years of pushing the boundaries, he was a reformed character.
“He (Alamoti) said he felt pressure and I said I didn’t bite him. That’s footy … I’ve got nothing to worry about,” Munster said.
“I’ve done a lot of silly things in the game and put my hand up for it. But I can put my hand on my heart there’s definitely nothing.
“I put my hand up with 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 spoken about and (say) there was no malice or even trying to bite.
“So I’m pretty disappointed, I’m trying to get that all of those grubby little incidents out of my game that I’ve obviously done in the previous years.”
Regardless of his belief that he is innocent, Munster’s fate is now at the mercy of the MRC.
St George Illawarra’s Kyle Flanagan received a five-match ban for biting earlier this season.
Alamoti, meanwhile, declined to expand on his on-field claim as he savoured his maiden NRL premiership.
“Whatever happens on the field, stays on the field, we’ll leave it at that,” Alamoti said.
“I’ve just won a premiership so that is the last thing on my mind, I’m worried about partying.”
– With Ben Sutton