'Facts remain contested': NRL duo to meet after alleged racial slur
Mitchell Barnett is free to play in the NRL finals as he and Tyrone Peachey prepare to enter into conciliation after the NRL's investigation into alleged racism was closed without a resolution.
The NRL Integrity Unit spent recent days interviewing both players and others close to the incident, as well as match and club officials, and also reviewed footage and audio of the alleged incident.
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Gold Coast's Peachey claimed Barnett had called him a "black c***" during their NRL clash last Friday night, which was denied by the Newcastle forward.
The NRL announced on Tuesday the investigation, conducted under the Game's Anti-Vilification Code, had not been able to determine the matter.
"The facts remain contested by each player. In accordance with the provisions of the Code, both players involved will now be referred to a conciliation process," the NRL said in a statement.
It means Barnett will be free to face South Sydney on Sunday, in the Knights' do-or-die elimination final at ANZ Stadium.
NRL boss Andrew Abdo said the game would closely monitor the outcome of conciliation.
"Rugby league is an inclusive game and we take our duty of care to all of our players very seriously," Abdo said.
"It is important that every player feels supported when they make a complaint, and we want to see our players take a leadership role in speaking out.
"It is also important that where there is a dispute as to what has been said, the game has a process designed to bring the parties together to address those matters in an appropriate way.
"My priority right now is monitoring the welfare of both players. I'm hopeful a conciliation meeting will find a resolution that benefits both players."
King pleads guilty to NRL hip drop tackle
Melbourne forward Max King has pleaded guilty to a hip drop tackle, with an NRL judiciary panel to determine his grading and suspension at a hearing on Tuesday night.
King and the Storm entered the plea on Tuesday afternoon after the NRL's match review committee referred him directly to the panel for the tackle on St George Illawarra prop Blake Lawrie.
King's body "dropped" onto the bottom half of Lawrie's leg in the Storm' NRL win over the Dragons on Sunday.
Lawrire was forced from the field soon afterwards.
King was charged with dangerous contact but the controversial tackle was deemed too serious to be given a grading.
The NRL has targeted the tackle for eradication this season.
The Storm forward awaits a sanction of at least three weeks for his transgression.
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