Cameron Munster denies biting Paul Alamoti in Grand Final

By George Clarke

Cameron Munster has vehemently denied biting Penrith’s Paul Alamoti as the Melbourne five-eighth nervously awaits the outcome of the NRL’s match review committee.

Munster will find out on Monday morning if he has been charged by the NRL after he was accused of biting Alamoti in the final 10 minutes of the Storm’s 14-6 grand final defeat on Sunday.

The Melbourne five-eighth was tackled by Alamoti as he attempted to lead his team upfield and the Penrith centre’s arm came across Munster’s face.

Replays were unclear if Munster bit down on Alamoti’s arm.

Referee Ashley Klein initially let play continue before halting the game and placing Munster on report.

“It can’t be certain, it’s on report,” Klein said.

“They [the match review committee] will deal with it later ... I just saw saliva.”

On the field, Munster was insistent he did not bite Alamoti and told reporters after the match “there was nothing in it”.

“I spoke to Ash about the allegation and he pretty much just told me that if someone alleges a certain thing, they have to put a report and it’s up to the judiciary,” Munster said.

“But honestly there’s nothing in it ... So I’m very confident I’ll get off.”

Munster was wearing a mouthguard during the game and said after years of pushing the boundaries, he was a reformed character.

“He [Alamoti] said he felt pressure and I said I didn’t bite him. That’s footy … I’ve got nothing to worry about,” Munster said.

“I’ve done a lot of silly things in the game and put my hand up for it. But I can put my hand on my heart there’s definitely nothing.

“I put my hand up with certain things that I definitely do in games and I’m a very honest person.

“I can definitely put my hand on my heart with everything I’ve spoken about and [say] there was no malice or even trying to bite.

“So I’m pretty disappointed, I’m trying to get that all of those grubby little incidents out of my game that I’ve obviously done in the previous years.”

Regardless of his belief that he is innocent, Munster’s fate is now at the mercy of the MRC.

St George Illawarra’s Kyle Flanagan received a five-match ban for biting earlier this season.

Alamoti, meanwhile, declined to expand on his on-field claim as he savoured his maiden NRL premiership.

“Whatever happens on the field, stays on the field, we’ll leave it at that,” Alamoti said.

“I’ve just won a premiership so that is the last thing on my mind, I’m worried about partying.”

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission