Storm forward facing ban after grand final sin-bin

Melissa Woods |

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