Storm forward facing ban after grand final sin-bin

Melissa Woods |

Trent Loiero’s grand final pain will extend into 2026 with the Storm forward facing a two-game ban.
Trent Loiero’s grand final pain will extend into 2026 with the Storm forward facing a two-game ban.

The misery for Trent Loiero will stretch into next NRL season with the Melbourne forward set to miss the opening two matches through suspension.

Loiero was sent to the sin-bin with two minutes remaining in Sunday’s grand final at Accor Stadium, watching on as the Storm lost a second successive title decider with Brisbane triumphant 26-22.

The 24-year-old was penalised for a high tackle on Brisbane second-rower Brendan Piakura with the match review committee deeming the incident grade two.

Trent Loiero
The Trent Loiero tackle sparked a melee between the two grand final teams. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Given it’s his second offence the Queensland Origin forward was slugged with a two-game suspension with an early guilty plea or three games if he unsuccessfully contests the charge.

His Storm teammate Jahrome Hughes was also charged for a high shot on Piakura but escaped with a $1000 fine.

Piakura himself was charged with making dangerous contact on Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen and fined $1800.

wALSH
Grand final hero Reece Walsh escapes with a fine for his high shot. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Clive Churchill Medal winner Reece Walsh faces a $3000 fine for a grade one careless high tackle on Storm winger Xavier Coates midway through the first half.

As Walsh has already had more than two charges this year, that would increase to a two-game ban should he fight the charge and be found guilty at the judiciary.

AAP