The NRL has finally imposed a suspension on Wests Tigers’ forward Isaiah Papali’i for tripping. The match review committee, which has been consistently issuing Grade 1 dangerous contact offenses for tripping over the last 18 months, escalated Papali’i’s charge to a Grade 2 offense for tripping Newcastle Knights’ forward Leo Thompson during the early stages of Saturday’s game in Tamworth.
Papali’i could serve a one-week suspension with an early guilty plea or risk two weeks if he contests the charge and loses at the judiciary. Similarly, Newcastle Knights’ forward Daniel Saifiti is also facing suspension for a Grade 2 careless high tackle on Jake Simpkin during the same game.
Like Papali’i, Saifiti could accept a one-week suspension with an early guilty plea or risk two weeks if he opts to challenge the charge. Both players now have a single offense on their record in the past 12 months.
Additionally, Knights half Jackson Hastings and Wests Tigers’ forward Alex Seyfarth were charged with Grade 1 careless high tackles during the game, with corresponding fines depending on their plea. Surprisingly, Melbourne Storm dummy half Harry Grant was also charged for making late contact on Daniel Atkinson.
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