Star NRL convert Israel Folau could join Greater Western Sydney teammate Tom Scully as a round-one absentee after a disastrous AFL pre-season game for the Giants.
Folau was booked twice for rough conduct in Saturday’s Canberra match, which Richmond won by 74 points.
The match review panel will assess those charges on Monday.
Folau also clashed heads during the game with Scully, the high-profile signing from Melbourne.
The Giants confirmed on Sunday that Scully will miss the Giants’ AFL debut on Saturday against Sydney at ANZ Stadium with a depressed fracture of the cheekbone.
It would be a public relations disaster for the AFL and the Giants if Folau missed the team’s debut because of suspension.
The match review panel’s Monday meeting will also decide the immediate AFL fate of Port Adelaide forward John Butcher.
While Folau’s charges will attract more attention, Butcher could be in much greater trouble.
Butcher was also charged with rough conduct after an incident near the end of Friday night’s pre-season win over Melbourne at AAMI Stadium.
The heavy contact with Melbourne’s Colin Sylvia sparked a melee that involved nearly every player on the field.
Sylvia was taken from the field by mini-ambulance and the Demons confirmed on Saturday that he will be out of action for up to six weeks with two minor spinal fractures.
If the match review panel decide Butcher has a case to answer, they will take into account a medical report from the Demons.
Sylvia’s injuries would undoubtedly mean a bigger penalty for Butcher.
Folau and Butcher can take their cases to the tribunal if the match review panel rules against them.
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