CHARGING: Orange CYMS prop Terawhiti Cooper has been cleared to play in Sunday's Group 10 preliminary final against Bathurst St Pat's. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0701cyms8
TERAWHITI Cooper has been cleared to play in Sunday’s Group 10 preliminary final.
The bullocking prop was sent off during CYMS’ 32-24 major semi-final loss to Lithgow last Sunday.
Referee Tom Hodgson cited Cooper for his part in a tackle but the Group 10 review committee on Tuesday night, after viewing the evidence, said he was free to play.
CYMS captain-coach Mick Sullivan said it was a good result for Cooper and the premier league team.
“I didn’t think he had much of a case to answer,” Sullivan said.
“We’ll be able to have the same side this week now.”
CYMS will take on Bathurst St Pat’s this Sunday with the winner to go through to the grand final against Lithgow.
Cooper has had a good season with CYMS as they chase a third consecutive Group 10 title.
He has scored three tries during the year, proven to be a handful for the opposition when with the ball and has been solid in defence.
“His work rate is up,” Sullivan said of Cooper.
“He’s been making a few uncharacteristic mistakes but we’ll work on rectifying that. He’s the sort of guy who can turn it around. He’s a big guy and he’s got a pretty big tank.”
The news from Tuesday night’s review committee meeting wasn’t as good for CYMS’ Luke Coleman.
The young gun came off the bench in the premier league game on Sunday and was sin binned for a spear tackle.
The review committee charged Coleman with a dangerous throw and he will receive a one week suspension if he pleads guilty or a minimum of two weeks if he contests the charge and is found guilty.
CYMS had until last night to indicate whether the club would contest the charge.
Coleman has been a regular in CYMS’ first division side and often comes off the bench for premier league.
Sullivan said Coleman’s suspension was unfortunate.
“He would have probably had his regular role off the bench,” Sullivan said of Sunday’s game.
“He’s a good attacking weapon and he showed with that tackle he’s strong in defence.”
Orange CYMS will host the preliminary finals this Sunday at Wade Park.
The day will start with the women’s league tag between Orange Hawkettes and Bathurst Panthers at 10am.