Wests Tigers captain and Fijian rugby league star Api Koroisau will be unable to participate in the Pacific Championships due to a three-match suspension for a dangerous tackle during his team’s defeat to the Eels. The incident, which involved Koroisau’s tackle on Clint Gutherson in the 52nd minute at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, was classified as a Grade 2 offense. As this was his second infraction, it resulted in a three-game suspension with an option for an early guilty plea.
The Fijian national team, known as the Bati, will commence their Pacific Bowl campaign against Papua New Guinea on Saturday, October 19, in Fiji, followed by a match against the Cook Islands a week later. The winner of the Pacific Bowl will compete against the third-placed team from the Pacific Cup in a promotion-relegation match scheduled at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 10.
In other news, retiring Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich has received a one-game suspension for a dangerous contact violation committed during his final NRL match. Bromwich’s tackle on Kalyn Ponga in the 68th minute was also determined to be a Grade 2 offense, leading to the suspension with an early guilty plea.
Sharks player Teig Wilton accepted a guilty plea for a dangerous contact charge and was fined $1,000. Meanwhile, Bulldogs forward Viliame Kikau was fined $3,000 for his dangerous contact hit on Cowboys halfback Jake Clifford during their game at Accor Stadium. Kikau could have faced a two-game suspension had he contested the charge and been found guilty.
Gold Coast veteran Kieran Foran received charges for 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 and St. George Illawarra’s Jack de Belin were also fined $1,800 after admitting guilty to their respective careless high tackle and dangerous contact charges. Additionally, Roosters players Angus Crichton and Siua Wong have accepted fines related to their offenses.
In a more positive development, Melbourne forward Eliesa Katoa has avoided suspension for a tackle on Tristan Sailor that saw him temporarily removed from the game during Thursday’s victory over the Broncos.