North Queensland second row Jeremiah Nanai will miss two games, including the club’s first against in-state rivals the Dolphins, after being penalized for a dangerous shot in the Gold Coast’s 24-12 loss.
Just after the Titans scored their second try in the second half on Saturday, Nanai dunked Phillip Sami and headed him over, but the winger managed to avoid serious damage.
Cowboys’ Jeremiah Nanai is sent to the bin during the NRL fourth round match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans at the Qld Country Bank Stadium on Saturday.Credit:Ian Hitchcock/fake images
The State of Origin representative placed his hand between Sami’s legs, the telltale sign of a more serious dangerous pitch, and referee Chris Butler called him the foul.
On Sunday morning, the match review committee charged Nanai with a grade one dangerous pitch and offered a two-match ban with an early guilty plea given Nanai’s previous record.
He got away with a ticket last week after being charged with first-degree contact against the Warriors.
For his last chance, Nanai will miss the upcoming games against Canterbury and the Dolphins, but also risks missing out on the return clash with the Warriors if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge in the judiciary.
Nanai’s Cowboys teammate Valentine Holmes escaped suspension on a Grade One charge to the shoulder of rival center Aaron Schoupp and can accept a $1,500 fine.
South Sydney striker Jed Cartwright has been charged with grade one dangerous contact for hitting Haumole Olakau’atu in Saturday night’s game and will be fined $750 with an early guilty plea.
Earlier in the Rabbitohs’ 13–12 win, referee Chris Sutton denounced Olakau’atu for twisting Damine Cook’s legs in a tackle, leading to a brawl between the sides. The second line escaped the scrutiny of the party review committee.
-AAP