The Dolphins’ chances of qualifying for their first finals appearance have taken another hit with veteran forward Felise Kaufusi copping a two-game ban.
Kaufusi was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle after he took out the legs of Warrios forward Jacob Laban in the closing stages of the Dolphins’ nail-biting 20-18 win at Auckland on Friday night.
If he contests the charge, he could be out for three weeks.
The Dolphins are already going to be without centre Herbie Farnworth for the rest of the regular season after he tore a hamstring while making a break in the first half.
Warriors hooker Sam Healey was hit with two offences by the match review committee – dangerous contact on prop Frank Molo ($1000-$1500) in the fourth minute and a crusher tackle on Oryn Keeley ($1500-$2000) in the 28th minute.
Souths centre Isaiah Tass was charged for a careless high tackle on Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo and will pay a $1000 fine.
Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was slapped with a Grade 1 shoulder charge for a hit on winger Tyrone Munro and will be fined $1500 with an early plea of potentially $2000 if he challenged the judiciary.
Roosters captain James Tedesco has avoided a ban for dangerous contact on Lehi Hopoate, copping a fine of $1000-$1500 for a controversial incident in Saturday night’s win over Manly.
James Tedesco (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Tedesco hurtled into his opposing fullback as they both tried to claim a high ball with the Roosters veteran’s knee collecting Hopoate in the head as he flew in.
“He got his jump terribly wrong, way too early,” said Panthers legend Greg Alexander on Fox League commentary, describing it as an “unsavoury moment”.
Hopoate was forced off for a head injury assessment and was able to return to the field.
Panthers winger Brian To’o ($750-$1000), Dragons prop David Klemmer ($1500-$1800) and Manly five-eighth Luke Brooks ($1000-$1500) are facing fines for careless high tackle offences.
Storm forward Eliesa Katoa ($1500-$2000 for a high shot) was the only player charged from Melbourne’s 16-10 victory over the Eels on Thursday.
