Panthers forward Liam Henry has been banned 2-3 matches by the NRL over a crusher tackle in their 25-6 loss to Newcastle which sent the premiers to the bottom of the ladder in Bathurst.
Henry was sin-binned for the tackle on fullback Fletcher Sharpe in the 23rd minute which put the Knights in position for their fourth try.
He has been slapped with a Grade 2 charge and has been suspended for two matches if he accepts the early guilty plea, or he can risk a three-match ban if he challenges the charge at the judiciary.
It is the last thing coach Ivan Cleary needs after Saturday night’s loss laid bare the mighty task ahead of the Panthers to salvage an already dire campaign in the always-testing Origin period.
The Panthers mercifully have byes before the final two Origin games but may need to rest players after game two given their reps will face a trip from Perth to Auckland for a match three days later.
“I’m just super disappointed with the start,” said Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.
“A game like this when you’re obviously down on troops, it’s the worst start we could find. Confidence was down early and it became a pretty tough night.
“I was obviously much happier with the second half but it would’ve been nice to have seen that in the first half.”
Meanwhile, Cronulla winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is facing a one-match ban for a high shot on Mark Nawaqanitawase in their 42-16 loss at Gosford.
Mulitalo clocked the Roosters centre as the former Wallabies star set the wheels in motion for Hugo Savala’s try.
He could be out two games if he unsuccessfully tries to clear his name at a judiciary hearing.
The Sharks have the bye next week so he will not be back until Round 15 at the earliest.
with AAP
