Zillman's NRL biting appeal dismissed

Gold Coast Titans fullback William Zillman has had his appeal against a four-match
suspension for biting South Sydney winger Jamie Simpson dismissed by NRL Judiciary
chairman Robert Abood.
Zillman was charged with dangerous conduct and had his case referred directly to the
judiciary who handed down the suspension on Wednesday.
Zillman's defence council, led by barrister Geoff Bellew, lodged an appeal against
the guilty verdict and the ban following the incident which took place in the
Titans' 22-12 win over Souths last Friday.
However, Abood upheld the ruling imposed by the three-man judiciary panel of Mark
Coyne, Bob Lindner and Sean Garlick.
"As to the granting of leave to appeal, Rule 95(2) of the National Rugby League
Judiciary Code provides that the Chairman shall not grant leave to appeal unless he
is of the opinion it is a fit case to proceed as an appeal within the meaning of
that expression as it is defined in Rule 27 of the NRL Appeals Committee Procedural
Rules," Abood said in a statement.
"Under Rule 27(1) the expression fit case to proceed shall be taken to mean that the
case is one in respect of which the appellant has good prospects of success on the
hearing of that appeal.
"In this regard, I agree with both Counsel, that the term does not require me, as
chairman, to be satisfied that the appeal will succeed.
"Taking all of those matters into account, I am not of the view that given the
nature of the offence found proved, that the penalty is not excessive and conclude
that any appeal against the severity of that penalty would not have good prospects
of success."
Titans managing director Michael Searle said the club was disappointed in the
decision but considered the matter closed.
"While we are disappointed we were unsuccessful in convincing the chairman of the
need to grant an appeal, we acknowledge that the process has allowed the club the
chance to do so," said Searle.
"We stand firm in our support of William and his continued protest of innocence.
"However, we now consider the matter closed."