Four Nations: England forwards Sean O'Loughlin and Liam Farrell clear for New Zealand clash
Monday 3 November 2014 08:16, UK
England forwards Sean O'Loughlin and Liam Farrell will both be available for the crucial Four Nations clash with New Zealand on Saturday.
The Wigan back-row pair were placed on report for suspect tackles during the 16-12 defeat by Australia on Sunday, but an NRL spokesman has revealed that no charges were brought from the two matches over the weekend.
O'Loughlin, who returned from a quad muscle strain to lead England for the first time, was put on report for an alleged trip on Australian hooker Cameron Smith, while Farrell was reported for a possible "chicken wing" tackle on full-back Greg Inglis that incensed Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens.
England discovered the news after arriving in Dunedin on Monday to prepare for Saturday's game at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, where a victory by 10 points over the Kiwis would secure a place in the final.
Australia forward Greg Bird was put on report for a possible "spear" tackle on O'Loughlin but also avoided any threat of suspension.
However, Bird's second-row partner Beau Scott will miss Australia's final round-robin game against Samoa in Wollongong on Sunday after suffering a low-grade hamstring tear in the opening stages of the game in Melbourne.
Scott, who has had scans in Melbourne, will remain with the squad ahead of a potential return if Australia clinch their place in the Wellington final on November 15.
