Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen believes the NRL should fine his Sharks teammate Andrew Fifita $50,000 and ban him for four games over his alleged abuse of a referee.
Andrew Fifita and his brother David will front the Sharks’ board on Thursday night over the alleged incident two weeks ago at Glenwood following an A-Grade fixture.
Both Fifitas have been stood down by the Sharks pending the outcome of the hearing.
The brothers are said to be contesting the version of events provided by witnesses and match officials.
In his regular spot on Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday, Gallen said he was tired of the issue.
“Who knows how long it’s going to last? I would like to see the club or NRL step in straight away, get it over and done with and fine him (Andrew) 50 grand and suspend him for a month,” Gallen said.
“I think that’s a pretty fair whack if he cops that.”
Such a suspension would make former representative star Andrew available for the Sharks’ final regular-season match and the NRL finals series.
When it was suggested Fifita himself might not be happy with such a punishment, Gallen replied: “I’m just trying to be realistic.
“People are talking about standing him down for 12 months and a $100,000 fine. Some of the things getting thrown around are a bit crazy.
“I think we need them on the field, particularly Andrew, at the back end of the year.”
Gallen did concede he felt the issue was not as bad as initially made out.
“Clearly, something has happened but I don’t think it’s as bad as people have said,” Gallen said.
“He (Andrew) needs to be punished for whatever has happened but it’s just turned all murky now.
“It could have cost him his career a week ago but now there is no evidence and it’s his word against someone else’s.
“There’s a lot of grey.”
PLANKO
Guest
Ok I reckon Gallen is on the money but make it pretty clear that the 1 year and another 50k is suspended. Another offence and he cops this and more. Anyone else's idea's or thoughts. I still think at the NRL level they getting to CHUMMY with the players . Call out a number not a name.
cedric
Guest
yeah, I always thought it was innocent until PROVEN guilty. Was it Gallen's quote, who said there is now no evidence and it's now his word against anothers? I thought " the media said ", the ref and linesmen were involved and they are all a bit traumerised and one has left due to this incident. Did I miss something????????? I think the money fine is a good idea, I would think that directly hurts the player.
Chris goolwa
Guest
I agree with fifita lads. He was helping a crook player of the field. Sounds like a power tripping ref. Media and nrl beet up and hype. We all know nrl dont like the sharks. Ha like no one else took drugs..fools. anyway go u sharkys. From goolwa sa. Onya
MJB
Guest
It's just you.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Well if Gal got $50k reduced to $35k for a naughty word.... In saying that. Aren't they pleading not guilty. Why shouldn't they be playing on the wkend like SKD?
gavinmorten
Roar Rookie
the media seemed all to keen to have the Fifita brothers made out to be another case of footy players misbehaving. much like everybody else i have no idea what happened so they may well be completely guilty who knows, but i'm surprised anybody has yet to come out explaining what they were doing at the game in the first place. as far as i can tell they were both there involved in junior rugby league, the whole incident occured as D Fifita was helping an injured player off the field, it sounds like the actions of players giving back to game, not a crazed footy yobbos out picking fights with junior refs for fun. is it just me?