Sam Thaiday has been charged with a grade two dangerous throw for his tackle on Manly’s Brent Kite on Sunday, and faces a two to three week suspension.
The base charge of 325 points means that even with an early guilty plea, the frontrower will cop a two match ban after lifting and dumping Kite in an awkward tackle.
Challenging the decision would result in a three week layoff, which could see him miss the Grand Final if Brisbane earn a week off after the first round of the finals.
Brisbane Broncos captain Darren Lockyer said that the team can get on without Thaiday, pointing to young forwards Gerard Beale and Josh McGuire, but admitted it will be a big loss if he is suspended.
“He (Thaiday) is a Test player, he’s a State of Origin player so he’d be a big loss but the Broncos this year, when we’ve had injuries or suspensions we’ve brought in a young player who has done the job,” he said.
“So if Sam gets suspended we’ll deal with it and move on and if he doesn’t then fantastic.
“Josh, he gets scans today and he’s been fantastic for us this year, so if he misses out it’s disappointing for him but young Gerard Beale, he’ll fit in there just as well.”
The Broncos will have until midday on Tuesday to appeal against the charge or offer an early-guilty plea.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Jesse Arthars was in hospital receiving treatment for a broken jaw before Friday night’s game was over after a self-inflicted blow in the first…
It was already going horrendously for Benji Marshall and the Tigers, 22-0 down at the hour mark, when their captain walked off the field.…
The NRL's match officials announcement on Tuesday lunchtime is usually cause for little fanfare, but sparked debate this week with top ref Ashley Klein…
It had all been going so well. Canberra were by far the better side for ten minutes, with Jamal Fogarty giving the Brisbane back…
Like most clubs, the Brisbane Broncos have had their fair share of big boppers over the years, many of them legends of the game.…
Who are the hardest working big men in the NRL?
