Before deliberating for 25 minutes, the panel of former Dallas Johnson and Henry Perenara heard detailed comparisons with a hip drop tackle by Dragons forward Josh McGuire last season on then Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr.
McGuire received a five-match suspension and Carrigan’s legal counsel Nick Ghabar argued that his tackle was “at least reckless”, whereas the involvement of Broncos team-mates Keenan Palasia and Corey Paix had been a significant factor.
Ghabar submitted a report from a doctor, Dr Tim McMeniman, who outlined how Palasia and Paix had contributed to the injuries sustained by Hastings.
NRL prosecutor Patrick Knowles sought a five-to-six match suspension, Ghabar said the tackle was worthy of a two-match ban.
While disappointed with the outcome, Carrigan said afterwards that he accepted Hastings would be sidelined for three-to-five months due to the injuries sustained in a tackle NRL head of football Graham Annesley had warned clubs of in a 2020 memorandum.
“I just wanted to say that I am very grateful to Nick and the NRL for a fair hearing tonight,” Carrigan said.
“I am little bit disappointed with the result. I certainly didn’t have any intent or malice in what happened, but I am also very aware that Jackson is going to miss a bit of footy. I just want to wish him all the best with his recovery.
“My focus now is to be as supportive as I can for the Broncos and for the next four weeks help them out. Hopefully I can get back in the team for that Dragons game and go from there.”
He will return in the final round of the season after the panel decided on a four match ban.
