The Sydney Roosters may have to select a sixth-choice replacement at centre following strong disciplinary action against Fetalaiga Pauga by the NRL.
Pauga was sent off for a high tackle on Canterbury fullback Connor Tracey during the Roosters’ 26-8 victory on Saturday night. He was subsequently charged with a grade-two reckless high tackle offense, the same charge faced by his teammate Joseph-Suaalii after State of Origin I earlier this month, carrying a four-game suspension.
If Pauga fails to downgrade the charge at the judiciary, the ban could extend to five games. Tracey, who was concussed by the incident, will miss the Bulldogs’ upcoming clash with Cronulla.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing the need to improve on-field discipline while supporting Pauga emotionally through the aftermath.
In more positive news for the Roosters, halfback Sam Walker received a $1000 fine but avoided suspension for his high tackle on Bulldogs centre Jacob Kiraz.
Pauga’s impending suspension comes at a challenging time for the Roosters, who are already dealing with a depleted backline. Joseph-Suaalii is serving out his remaining two-game suspension for a previous offense, while injuries have sidelined Billy Smith, Michael Jennings, Lewis Murphy, and Robert Toia.
Despite speculation, Rugby Australia has ruled out Mark Nawaqanitawase joining the Roosters, leaving Coach Trent Robinson likely to consider untested players or positional changes to cover the gaps in the upcoming matches.
Additionally, six other players were charged from Saturday’s games but have opted to pay fines to avoid suspension, including Te Maire Martin from the Warriors and Jayden Campbell from the Gold Coast Titans, both for hip-drop tackles reported during their respective matches.
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