...that Christopher Branson withdrawing his services on the day of the hearing was a planned move? I read an article that stated he had (unsuccessfully) asked for an adjournment himself as he did not have enough time to prepare an appropriate defence. He then withdraws his services, virtually forcing the NRL's hand into allowing an additional 24 hours. This way, they get to sit back and see how the judiciary will handle a guilty plea. 4 weeks plus, fight the charge, 3 weeks or less, plead guilty. I'm expecting a change of plea tonight. It may not have been a planned move, but if it was, it's been very cleverly played out.