Cronulla playmaker Shaun Johnson doesn't plan to give evidence against Gold Coast forward Kevin Proctor after he was sent off for biting his Kiwis team-mate in a drama-charged NRL match in Sydney.
Shaun Johnson and Kevin Proctor exchange words Photo: NRL Photos
Proctor became the first player in the NRL's 112-year history to be sent off for biting, after the bunker ruled he sunk his teeth into Johnson's arm in Gold Coast's 30-18 loss.
In a bizarre series of events, Johnson blew up on field over the incident but then later made up with his New Zealand teammate and said he would not pursue the matter.
"Nothing happened, let's just leave it at that," Johnson told Fox Sports.
"We were both heated in the middle of the game and I was a bit high on him and whatever happened, happened but we're still mates.
"It's his 250th [NRL appearance] and I don't want this to dampen this at all. He's been a great player for so long at Melbourne and now Gold Coast, and he's led with his actions his whole career.
"I don't think it's appropriate and I guess this doesn't do Kevvie justice to talk about this. He's a great player and I've loved playing with him at Kiwi level and I've got nothing but respect for him.
"There's nothing much to say about it. What happens on the field stays on the field, we don't need to talk about it now."
Photo: NRL Photos
Asked if he would be prepared to testify at the judiciary hearing, Johnson said: "No, not at all. I don't see the value of taking it any further than what's happened here today. I love him as a player and person and I've got nothing more to say about it".
It will now be up to the NRL match review committee to decide whether to refer Proctor to the judiciary, with a lengthy suspension placing the future of the off-contract veteran in doubt.
Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook questioned why the Bunker intervened to send off Proctor after referee Henry Perenara stopped the game.
While the Bunker reviewed the incident, in which Johnson's arm was wrapped around his face, Proctor could be heard to say: "You were choking me."
"There was no on-field complaint by the player so you need the officials to answer the question," Holbrook said.
"I am disappointed. I thought we were a real good chance of winning the game at 12-12. It came down to one big decision by too many people. We have done well with the one ref but there were too many extra people involved.
"Both players know each other really well and they both have exchanged words to each other [after the match]. One has apologised - and Kevin wasn't the one who apologised. He wanted to win the game today and didn't get the chance."
Photo: NRL Photos
Sharks coach John Morris said he had spoken briefly to Johnson but was more concerned about the groin injury that forced him from the field in the 66th minute.
"It's hard for me to comment on. I saw what everyone saw," Morris said.
"I can't go into depth too much about what may or may not have occurred. The bunker felt there was enough evidence there to send him off.
"It's not a great look, but I don't want to be here accusing him of it as well. The referee has made a decision to send him off."
- NRL