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Rugby League

Morley cleared for Tri-Nations

26/07/2006

Great Britain prop forward Adrian Morley will be available to play in the end-of-season Tri-Nations Series after being handed just a seven-match ban for striking.

Morley, 29, had been facing up to 18 weeks suspension for kneeing an opponent during his side Sydney Roosters' 25-0 defeat by Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday.

But Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) judiciary acted leniently towards him, banning him only from the remaining domestic season fixtures.

The decision brings the curtain down on Morley's career down under as he is set to return home to play for Super League outfit Warrington next season.

Brian Noble, the Great Britain head coach, will be delighted by the news and should have him available for the team's warm-up match in Australia before their opening Tri-Nations fixture against New Zealand in Christchurch on October 28th.

Morley had pleaded guilty to the charge of striking and had received the backing of Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan.

Despite his poor disciplinary record, which saw him miss 19 weeks of football through suspension since joining the Roosters in 2001, Canavan argued this latest incident had been "out of character for him".

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