James Tedesco will be free for the next game of the Sydney Roosters' inconsistent NRL campaign after escaping suspension for tripping Ryan Papenhuyzen.
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The Roosters captain went on report for the uncharacteristic shot on his rival fullback in the 70th minute of Melbourne's 18-12 win on Thursday night
Chasing a Roosters kick, Tedesco flew in to tackle Papenhuyzen but his left leg connected with the right foot of the Storm star and knocked him to the ground.
Papenhuyzen was irate with the contact and appeared to appeal for a sin-binning, but referee Ashley Klein permitted Tedesco to stay afield.
On Friday morning, the match review committee charged Tedesco with grade-one dangerous contact (tripping) and offered the 31-year-old a $750 fine with an early guilty plea.
That sum would have been $250 higher if not for Tedesco's clean judiciary record.
Tedesco risks having to pay $1000 by pleading his case at the judiciary, but either way he will be free for the Roosters' traditional Anzac Day clash against St George Illawarra next Thursday.
The Roosters' loss at Allianz Stadium means they will finish the weekend outside of the top eight.
Trent Robinson's side is yet to string back-to-back wins together across the opening seven rounds, despite again entering as one of the competition's heavyweights.
Tedesco's teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has also escaped suspension for his late hit on rival prop Christian Welch and can accept a $1800 fine.
Australian Associated Press
