Souths veteran banned for kicking Penrith playmaker
Jasper Bruce |
South Sydney veteran Cody Walker has received a one-game ban for kicking Jack Cogger in a moment of madness during the loss to Penrith.
But back-up Panthers halfback Cogger will miss more time after receiving a two-game ban for a shot on Ashton Ward later in Friday night’s game.
Walker’s brain-snap was the bigger talking point following the Panthers’ State of Origin-affected win at CommBank Stadium.
An angry Walker was sent to the sin bin during the first half for striking Cogger following a play-the-ball, and Penrith extended their lead by scoring a try in his absence.
The 36-year-old apologised to Cogger after the game and was remorseful in the post-match press conference.
“It wasn’t good enough as a senior player and I’ve got to be better in those moments not let my aggression get the better of me,” said Walker, who has a history of on-field aggression.
“I let my teammates down, and I’m really sorry about that.”
If he pleads guilty to grade-two contrary conduct, Walker will miss the Rabbitohs’ clash with fellow finals hopefuls Newcastle next Sunday.
Walker would risk missing an additional match against Canberra by challenging the charge at the NRL judiciary.
The Rabbitohs will count the cost of Walker’s absence in an injury-riddled season.
Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Adam Elliott and Campbell Graham are among the key players who missed the loss to Penrith through injury.
Graham is a chance to recover from his calf injury in time to face the Knights and Souths should regain Origin representative Cameron Murray.
Cogger also went to the sin bin for what has been classified as a grade-two careless high tackle charge.
The ladder-leading Panthers have a bye next weekend, so he will miss games against Brisbane and Parramatta.
But barring injury, Cogger would not have started in either of those games as Nathan Cleary prepares to resume his halfback duties after the Origin decider.
AAP