Canberra trio Jordan Rapana, Joe Tapine and Nick Cotric could miss the Raiders’ NRL preliminary final through suspension and injury, but the two players on report aren’t worried they’ll miss any action.
Raiders winger Jordan Rapana and lock Joe Tapine were put on report while Nick Cotric was injured during their 12-10 win against Melbourne on Saturday.
Rapana was reported for a lifting tackle on Cameron Munster and Tapine was accused of a chicken wing tackle on Brandon Smith.
“We talked about about how Melbourne were trying to stand in the tackles and I just tried to lift him up and bum rush him you know, drag him back and he must have got caught in a dangerous position,” Rapana said.
“Personally I don’t think it was bad at all. I couldn’t see his head at the time so I got worried for a little bit that I might get sent off. But then when I re-watched it I thought that was a bit soft.
“I don’t think I’ll miss a week. I’ll be pissed off if I do and I’ll be telling Stick (coach Ricky Stuart) to go in firing if it has to go to the tribunal but surely not.”
(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Tapine said there was “definitely no malice” tackling his “good mate”.
“It was accidental. Brendon’s arm went back a bit and they said report for chicken wing. We’ll have a look at it, there was no intention or anything, he’s a good mate,” Tapine said.
“I hope it doesn’t cost me. It’s an important time of the year and some people get off with worse than that so we’ll see.”
Canberra and NSW winger Cotric accidentally copped a boot to the face while trying to tackle fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen in the first half.
The NSW representative broke his nose and failed a head injury assessment. He didn’t return to the game.
Raiders centre Joey Leilua wasn’t able to start the game after he injured his eye while running on to the field through fireworks.
Medical staff were able to remove a piece of black pyrotechnic shell from Leilua’s left eye and he played off the bench.
The Raiders were at virtually full strength heading into the game, with Hudson Young (suspended) the only one of their best 17 players who was unavailable.
Canberra host the preliminary final in two weeks.
maccaa62
Roar Rookie
Canberra have been given a gold ticket pathway to GF. If they don’t win it this year, bye bye for a while. The refs have been punished for not sinbinning at least twice where Melbourne would most likely of scored. Now Canberra get the easy path rob GF facing off against the less likely and only have to face one of roosters or Storm again. It’s their lucky day... the stars are aligning in green.
Cat
Guest
Only one problem, I know you hate the Storm but they weren’t responsible for those fireworks, the NRL were - we never have those at our regular games. The NRL are responsible for everything in the finals not the clubs.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yes, usual favouritism from the Storm, the MRC should sight the 'fireworks', where is the MRC to suspend the fireworks??? I recon that is at least a 20 weeks or maybe a season suspension or even banned for life!!!
Paul
Roar Guru
Just on those stupid fireworks, I see zero reason to have them at a footy game. I vaguely recall a game start being delayed at Suncorp a few years ago because the smoke from the fireworks blanketed the ground. In this instance, Joey Leilua was dead lucky he didn't suffer more lasting damage to his sight. Which ever genius thinks these things are a good idea, that close to players, needs to think again.