Kaufusi rolls the dice in court, Storm star faces ban, Raider sidelined long-term
dolphin star Felise Kaufusi is trying his luck through the NRL court system in an all-or-nothing bid to get into Friday’s showdown in Brisbane with the Broncos.
He is rolling the dice asking for a demotion at Tuesday night’s hearing, which could land him a fine, but if the challenge fails his three-week ban will become four as it is his third offence.
Kaufusi, who inspired the undefeated Dolphins with his uncompromising defense in the first three rounds, was questioned by the Game Review Committee with a sophomore charge of dangerous contact on jackson hastings in Friday’s 36-20 win over Newcastle.
The likely loss of Kaufusi will be a blow to the undefeated Dolphins, who will face their cross-town rivals for the first time in a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.
VSLick here for a seven-day free trial for your favorite sport on KAYO
Jahrome Hughes is set to miss Friday night’s Melbourne clash with the Wests Tigers after picking up a dangerous contact charge for a tackle on Tanah Boyd in Saturday’s 38-34 loss to the Titans.
Felise Kaufusi takes on the defense in the Dolphins’ win over Canberra. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The Kiwi half-back was the only one of seven players charged in Saturday’s fixtures to be banned, although the others will face fines.
Cowboys forward Jeremiah Nanai could face two weeks if he chooses to challenge his dangerous contact charge, but will likely have to pay a $3,000 fine.
David Fifita, Justin Olam, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Te Maire Martin And Marata Niukore all escape harsher penalties.
Roosters Center Joey Manu faces a suspension of at least one game after being charged for a reckless Tier 2 tackle in the Sydney Roosters’ 20-18 win over South Sydney on Friday night.
Manu collected Isaiah Tass in the 77th minute as the Rabbitohs cross approached the try line with the Roosters hanging on for a dramatic victory in the derby.
The Kiwi international’s kick sparked a scrum and Manu spent the rest of the game in the trash.
The Roosters have a fourth-round bye heading into a game against Parramatta next Thursday. If Manu disputes the charge and is found guilty, he faces a two-game ban.
Joseph Suali escaped punishment for a shoulder charge on Rabbitohs cross Campbell Graham.
Fletcher Baker, Cody Walker And Michael Chee Kam face $1,000 fines from the judiciary after being reported in the clash.
hooker raiders Danny Levi was ruled out for at least eight weeks after breaking his jaw in the team’s first victory this season. Hooker won’t be back until round 12 and joins regular freshmen Jordan Rapana (suspension), Nick Cotric (hamstrings) and Xavier Sauvage (jaw) in the emergency department.
Levi was injured in a tackle on the Sharks striker Teig Wilton in the opening minute of the Raiders’ 24-20 win at Canberra on Sunday afternoon. The knock left NRL officials searching the pitch for Levi’s missing teeth at half-time.
He will be operated on Tuesday. Zac Woolford is likely to join Tom Starling in the fictitious half-rotation. Starling has been charged with dangerous contact after an incident involving Matt Moylan but only faces a fine of $750 to $1,000 as it is his first offense.
Teams for Round 4 will be officially announced on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. AEDT.
Round 4 teams
Eels vs Panthers, at CommBank Stadium – 8 p.m., Thursday, March 23
Eels: Matt Doorey suffered a knee injury and Jack Murchie suffered a concussion in the loss to Manly. Doorey is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Panthers: Scott Sorensen (concussion), who was substituted for Matt Eisenhuth against Souths in Round 2, should be right to face Parramatta.
Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai have minor foot issues but will also be fine for the Grand Finals rematch.
Storm vs. Tigers, at AAMI Park – 6 p.m., Friday, March 24
Storm: Jahrome Hughes is set to miss Friday night’s Melbourne clash with the Wests Tigers after picking up a dangerous contact charge for a tackle on Tanah Boyd in Saturday’s 38-34 loss to the Titans.
Cameron Munster (finger) should be right to play while young five-eighth Jonah Pezet, who made his NRL debut against the Gold Coast, could take over from Hughes at half-back.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Tigers: Tim Sheens is likely to move Adam Doueihi at full-back and Charlie Staines to wing past David Nofoaluma after doing so midway through the second half in the loss to Canterbury, meaning Brandon Wakeham will start in the midfield. -time alongside Luke Brooks.
Regular back Daine Laurie (knee) and center Tommy Talau (nose) are likely to be out again while Jake Simpkin (concussion) and Isaiah Papali’i (suspension) are back.
Dolphins vs. Broncos, at Suncorp Stadium – 8 p.m., Friday, March 24
Dolphins: Jeremy Marshall-King is serving Game 2 of his two-game suspension for a hip tackle.
Felise Kaufusi has been charged with a second-year charge for dangerous contact with Jackson Hastings in Friday’s 36-20 win over Newcastle.
Kaufusi is trying to have his three-game suspension reduced to a fine, but could be suspended for four weeks by the court panel on Tuesday night.
Broncos: Kevin Walters’ unbeaten side are set to remain unchanged for their sold-out clash with their new rivals. Ezra Mam hit a knee bump in the win over the Dragons, but should be fine.
Cowboys vs. Titans, at QCB Stadium – 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 25
Cowboys: Scott Drinkwater and Peta Hiku are still out with their respective suspensions, so rookie full-back Tom Chester and center Gehamat Shibasaki are expected to keep their places.
Jeremiah Nanai could face a two-week absence if he chooses to challenge his dangerous contact charge, but he will likely face a $3,000 fine.
Titans: Hooker Sam Verrills is expected to miss a few months with his broken collarbone, so Chris Randall will get an extended run at the rake.
Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles, at Accor Stadium – 7:35 p.m., Saturday March 25
Rabbits : Jai Arrow pushes to make a comeback from his hamstring issue. Hame Sele suffered a Grade 1 concussion in the loss to the Roosters so he will be suspended this round while Shaquai Mitchell (foot) could also be out.
Sea eagles: No changes expected for Manly – Viliame Fifita is expected to be available for selection after overcoming a sternum injury but will likely play in the NSW Cup.
Warriors vs. Bulldogs, at Mt Smart Stadium – 2 p.m., Sunday, March 26
Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) will replace Taine Tuaupiki after making his NRL debut as a fullback in the win over the Cowboys. Jackson Ford was also ruled out with a concussion and has a chance to play.
Mitch Barnett’s neck injury isn’t serious and he has a chance to face the Dogs, but Wayde Egan (concussion) will likely be out.
Bulldogs: Tevita Pangai jnr is closing in on a return of her calf strain, but the next round is more likely.
Knights vs Raiders, at McDonald Jones Stadium – 4:05 p.m., Sunday, March 26
Knights: Jayden Brailey (concussion) could return to hooker while Tyson Frizell is expected to sit out with his ankle problem.
Adam Elliott (groin), Kurt Mann (calf), Simi Sasagi (shoulder) and Krystian Mapapalangi (shoulder) are also absent, as is hanging prop Jacob Saifiti.
His companion Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) could also be absent in the coming weeks.
Raiders: Danny Levi has suffered a suspected broken jaw, so Zac Woolford is likely to join Tom Starling in the half-model rotation. Winger Nick Cotric (hamstring) missed the game and could be out for a few more weeks.
Dragons vs Sharks, at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 6:15 p.m., Sunday March 26
Dragoons: Jack de Belin (calf) should make his first appearance in 2023.
The Sharks: Nicho Hynes (calf) will be set to go while his replacement, Braydon Trindall, is in doubt with an ankle injury.
Goodbye – Roosters
New signing Nathan Brown (hamstring) won’t be playing for a few weeks.
Roosters center Joey Manu faces a suspension of at least one game after being charged with a reckless Level 2 tackle in the Sydney Roosters’ 20-18 win over South Sydney on Friday night. If Manu disputes the charge and is found guilty, he faces a two-game ban.
Sports Grp2
