'Chin strap' a non-issue

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Wary of further enraging Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, South Sydney head to AAMI Park on Sunday claiming to have no problem with the Storm's controversial 'chin strap' tackling technique.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire and co-captain Michael Crocker both spent time at Melbourne working under Bellamy and know better than to wind up the Storm mentor when he's already in a foul mood.

A furious Bellamy accused David Furner of portraying the Storm as 'hillbillies' after the Raiders coach asked the NRL to investigate several questionable tackles following the teams' round one meeting at Canberra Stadium.

Furner believes Storm players are acting illegally by attacking the head of the tackled player and placing a firm grip on the chin region.

But asked about the alleged tactic on Thursday, Crocker said: "I think it is a non-issue."

"There were two incidents that I saw where there was accidental contact to the face."

"If the referee deems that they are penalties then I am sure that they will blow penalties."

Maguire, about to face his old boss Bellamy for the first time, was extremely reluctant to enter the debate.

He said: "I don't think there is anything in it."

"There were thousands of tackles made last weekend and I didn't think there was too much wrong with the ones they are talking about."

"My focus is on what we're doing here and what we've got to do this weekend."

Cronulla have had their fair share or problems with Melbourne down the years but Sharks coach Shane Flanagan doesn't have a drama with what he saw in Round 1.

"Every side does it (wrestle-like holds), they do it better than most," he said.

"Every side is trying to get to Melbourne's standard in that area."

"They are the best at it and good luck to them."

"If Melbourne are pushing the limits then good luck to them."

"Old Craig will push the limits."

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