AAP Rugby

Eels back-rower fights for reduced dangerous-throw ban

By AAP Newswire

Jun 17, 2024

Parramatta's Kelma Tuilagi. — Parramatta's Kelma Tuilagi was sin-binned after flipping over Roosters prop Lindsay Collins. -AAP Image

Parramatta second-rower Kelma Tuilagi will fight his dangerous-throw charge at the NRL judiciary and attempt to halve his ban from four matches to two.

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Sin-binned for flipping over Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins on Saturday night, Tuilagi was hit with a grade-three dangerous-throw charge by the NRL on Sunday.

Rather than accept a four-game ban for the tackle, Tuilagi will attempt to have the charge regraded as level two and instead incur a two-match ban.

The challenge does come with a risk though, with the Eels back-rower to miss a fifth game if he unsuccessful.

Grade-three charges for dangerous throws are rare, and often come with a player sin-binned.

Tuilagi's challenge will likely hinge on the fact that Collins landed on his shoulder and not his head, with the force labelled moderate by referee Chris Butler.

If Tuilagi is successful, he will miss matches against Newcastle and South Sydney.Â

However, he would also sit out games against Gold Coast, Melbourne and the Warriors if he fails to have the charge downgraded, and not return until round 23.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press