Kasiano free to play

Canterbury prop Sam Kasiano is free to play in Friday night's grudge match against Manly after beating a high tackle charge at the NRL judiciary.

After a 70-minute hearing at League Central on Wednesday night, the panel of Sean Garlick, Don McKinnon and Royce Ayliffe dismissed the grade two charge against Kasiano for his high shot on Parramatta's Fuifui Moimoi.

He will now front for the Bulldogs in Des Hasler's emotional return to Brookvale.

"I'm just looking forward to the game on Friday," a relieved Kasiano said after the verdict was handed down.

"(I was) heaps nervous."

Canterbury CEO Todd Greenberg added: "We're pleased with the result (and) very happy with the decision and now looking forward to Manly on Friday night."

During the hearing Kasiano's legal representative, Nick Ghabar, successfully argued the tackle on Moimoi was unavoidable given the Parramatta player slipped just before the point of impact.

Using a number of still photos and video images to illustrate his point, Ghabar asked the panel: "What's this coathanger (tackle) that's been suggested?

"Player Moimoi dropped very substantially at the point of contact.

"He drops 50cm in a very short amount of time. Player Kasiano had 0.4 of a second to react.

"The slip rendered the end result.

"This was definitely not a swinging arm tackle. He (Kasiano) had no time to do anything about it."

NRL counsel Peter Kite had earlier told the panel he believed Kasiano had not shown enough duty of care when going in for the tackle.

Ghabar insisted the tackle was aimed at the 'ball area or below' but Kite countered: "He is beaten because of the line speed and his reaction is to throw the arm out.

"You can't just throw your arm out because you've been beaten.

"Players must have targets in safe areas.

"Player Kasiano didn't have a target - that's not good enough."

Ayliffe, Garlick and McKinnon took 20 minutes to deliberate before delivering the not guilty verdict.

Kasiano's availability significantly boosts the Bulldogs' chances of knocking over the premiers in Hasler's return to the northern beaches.

The former Sea Eagles mentor has been told to expect a fiery reception from fans still angry he walked out on the club after last year's grand final.

Kasiano's escape from suspension adds further spice to the match.