Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau, a popular figure in Fiji, will be sidelined for the Pacific Championships due to a three-match suspension for a Dangerous Throw during his team’s defeat to the Eels. Koroisau’s tackle on Clint Gutherson in the 52nd minute at Campbelltown Sports Stadium was classified as a Grade 2 offense. Since this was his second violation, he received a three-game suspension following an early guilty plea.
Fiji’s Bati team will begin their Pacific Bowl campaign against Papua New Guinea on Saturday, October 19, before facing the Cook Islands the following week. The winner of the Pacific Bowl will compete against the third-placed team in the Pacific Cup at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 10, in a promotion-relegation match for next year’s tournament.
In other news, retiring Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich has received a one-game suspension for a Dangerous Contact offense in his final NRL match. His tackle on Kalyn Ponga during the 68th minute of the match was assessed as a Grade 2, resulting in a one-game ban with an early guilty plea.
Sharks back-rower Teig Wilton has accepted an early guilty plea for a Dangerous Contact charge and is fined $1,000. Bulldogs forward Viliame Kikau received a $3,000 fine for Dangerous Contact following a hit on Cowboys halfback Jake Clifford in the 13th minute of Saturday’s match at Accor Stadium. If Kikau had contested the charge and been found guilty, he would have faced a two-game suspension.
Gold Coast veteran Kieran Foran was charged with two Careless High Tackle offenses after the match against the Panthers, each carrying a $750 fine with an early guilty plea. Canberra’s Hudson Young (Careless High Tackle) and Dragons player Jack de Belin (Dangerous Contact) have been fined $1,800 after submitting early guilty pleas. Roosters players Angus Crichton (Dangerous Contact) and Siua Wong (Careless High Tackle) have also accepted fines following early pleas.
Additionally, Melbourne forward Eliesa Katoa has escaped suspension for a tackle on Tristan Sailor that resulted in him being sent to the sin bin during Thursday’s victory over the Broncos.