There's a video on nrl.com with the title "Key indicators of a hip drop tackle" (easily found via a search engine of your choice ) and with the description "Graham Annesley explains the key indicators referees and review officials are looking at when trying to classify a hip drop tackle". Which shows video examples of 'hip drop' and 'non hip drop' tackles (or at least the criteria which the Aussies are using).

https://www.rugby-league.com/article/63888/disciplinary-%7C-match-review-panel

https://www.rugby-league.com/article/63888/disciplinary-%7C-match-review-panel

Spitting is a really abhorrent offence and should incur a massive ban.

Can't remember any previous incidences of spitting.  A quick search tells me Anthony England got a 4 game ban for it in 2015.


Can't remember any before then.   I imagine anyone doing that in the old days would be risking their life.    

If it’s proven that he spit at someone he wants hammering, dirty, vile action if true 

The tv pictures show he spat at Thewlis, the fact that the hit was on his torso shows that he didn't try and aim away from the player, therefore a direct hit. The ban should be by the letter of the law.