Ban to stretch Cronulla’s backline even further
Scott Bailey |
Ronaldo Mulitalo has added to Cronulla’s backline issues, with the winger facing a one-match ban for his late shot that levelled Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Mulitalo was on Sunday hit with a grade-two dangerous contact charge for hitting Nawaqanitawase after he passed in the Sydney Roosters’ win on Saturday.
If the Sharks were to fight the matter at the NRL judiciary, Mulitalo would risk a second game on the sideline.
Cronulla have already faced depth issues in their outside backs this year, after Sione Katoa required shoulder surgery after an injury in a pre-season trial.
Sam Stonestreet is also out with an ankle injury, after sustaining damage to his syndesmosis against Melbourne last week.
Cronulla are hopeful of Katoa returning after next week’s bye, otherwise Mulitalo’s ban would leave the Sharks without both first-choice wingers against the Warriors.
In that case, Chris Vae’ila would be the front-runner to debut for the Sharks.
Mulitalo was sin-binned for the shot on Saturday night, with referee Grant Atkins identifying direct shoulder contact to the head after Nawaqanitawase passed.
But the match review committee on Sunday deemed it to be dangerous contact and not a shoulder charge, which would have resulted in an extra game out.
Penrith forward Liam Henry is also facing a two-match ban out of Saturday night’s games, in trouble for a crusher tackle on Fletcher Sharpe in the loss to Newcastle.
The review committee on Sunday opted for a grade-two charge, meaning Henry would risk a third match on the sideline if he elects to fight the ban.
The last-placed Panthers at least expect to have their entire State of Origin cohort back for those games, provided the quintet get through game one unscathed.
Backrower Scott Sorensen is also due back from a suspension against Parramatta next Sunday, while Luke Garner should be able to return from a concussion.
AAP
