Players face up to a combined 10 matches on the sidelines after the match review committee took a dim view of several incidents during an enthralling edition of Friday night football.
Manly’s rookie winger Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega is facing between two and three matches out for a grade-two shoulder charge on Cameron Munster, while Storm forward Tui Kamikamica is looking at the same time on the sidelines for a late hit on Daly Cherry-Evans.
Tuaimalo Vaega is quickly becoming a cult favourite with Sea Eagles fans for his powerful contributions, but he and Kamikamica are likely to be on the sidelines for the next fortnight.
Justin Olam was charged with grade-one dangerous contact for his own shot on Cherry-Evans, but faces a fine regardless of whether he accepts or challenges the charge. Storm teammate Trent Loiero is also going to be lighter in the hip pocket unless he successfully contests the fine he will receive for a high shot on Tom Trbojevic.
There was also fallout from the earlier Sharks-Roosters encounter. Roosters forward Nat Butcher is facing one or two games out for an alleged hip-drop tackle on Briton Nikora, depending on whether he contests the grade-two dangerous contact offence. The NRL has made it clear it’s the type of contact they want to eradicate from the game.
And Brandon Smith was charged with a grade-one careless high tackle on Cameron McInnes. The Rooster rake faces a two-game ban if he unsuccessfully contests the charge or can instead cop a $3000 fine.
Nat Butcher is facing one or two games out for an alleged hip-drop tackle on Briton Nikora.
If all the players charged unsuccessfully contest their charges, they will be sidelined for a combined 10 weeks. However, it’s likely those that can escape with fines will opt to do so.
While Cherry-Evans was the victim in several incidents of foul play, he felt some level of sympathy to defenders trying to pressure halves like him.
“I think the game is protecting halfbacks and ball-players in general,” Cherry-Evans said.
“I do feel a little sympathetic to people who try and do what they are asked, which is put pressure on ball players.
“But that’s our game. You just have to make sure you get it right, otherwise there are repercussions.”
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy had less sympathy for his players, frustrated by the fact poor behaviour had left his team down to 12 men twice in the second half.
“I don’t know what planet they are on,” Bellamy said. “You just can’t do that these days. You just can’t hit ball-players late with any force at all.
“We played half the second half with 12 men, that is hard work. And then when they had 12 men in the second half, we couldn’t get out of our own 20.”
Storm captain Christian Welch also hit out at the behaviour of his team, labelling it as “stupid shit”.
With AAP
