Overnight Wrap

The Gold Coast have had a mixed night at the judiciary with forward Ian Donnelly cleared of a grapple tackle but hooker Nathan Friend banned for one game.

Donnelly, who was facing a one-match ban, is now free to play South Sydney on Saturday night after being found not guilty of a contrary conduct charge for unnecessary contact with the head/neck of Bulldog Nick Kouparitsas.

Friend, though, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to have a grade three careless high tackle charge down-graded, and will have to serve a one-match ban. Friend is the first player this season to be unsuccessful at the NRL Judiciary.

Bulldogs prop Willie Mason will have scans on his injured wrist today to determine if he can play again this season.

The Test forward dislocated his wrist during the Bulldogs' upset loss to Penrith two weeks ago. Losing Mason for the season would be a huge blow to the Bulldogs, who sit in seventh position and are still engaged in a tight battle for a finals spot.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have closed ranks around embattled star Sonny Bill Williams, who was again in the news this week for smashing a photographer's camera.

Great Britain captain Paul Sculthorpe has announced his retirement from international rugby league to concentrate on his club career with St Helens.

The 29-year-old forward has been restricted to just 18 minutes action in the last 10 Tests because of injury. He played 26 internationals for the Lions as well as four World Cup matches for England.

He has backed his former vice-captain Jamie Peacock to succeed him as Lions skipper for the home series against New Zealand this year and next year's World Cup.