Forward Jacob Saifiti handed four-match NRL suspension

Newcastle Knights forward Jacob Saifiti has been suspended for four matches in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) after a high tackle on New Zealand Warriors winger Luke Laulilii. As ABC News Australia reports, the penalty effectively means the end of the season for the player unless it is reduced.

Sent off in Auckland

Saifiti was sent off in the first half of Sunday’s match in Auckland, in which Newcastle lost to the Warriors 32–46. On Monday, the NRL match review committee charged the Fijian forward with a grade two careless high tackle.

The Knights have a bye in the final round of the regular season, so Saifiti’s suspension will begin with the team’s first match in the finals series.

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Possible appeal

Newcastle, currently in seventh place, will play an elimination match in the first week of the playoffs. Even if the team reaches the grand final, Saifiti will not be able to play this season under a four-match suspension.

The forward can challenge the charge at an NRL judiciary hearing on Tuesday in an attempt to have the suspension reduced. If he challenges the penalty and is unsuccessful, one more match will be added to the suspension.

Another NRL decision

Cronulla forward Tom Hazelton could also miss one match after being penalized for a hip-drop tackle on Ronald Volkman in the game against Parramatta. If he enters an early guilty plea, he will serve a one-match suspension and will be able to return to the team in the first week of the finals series.