Manly's Josh Aloiai is facing the longest ban for a tripping charge in almost four years after being handed a three-week suspension for bringing down Penrith flyer Daine Laurie on Sunday.
Aloiai was hit with a grade 2 dangerous contact charge after he stuck his leg out and tripped the Penrith fullback who was in full flight in the match won 32-22 by the Panthers.
An early guilty plea could reduce the ban to just two games, which would be the sternest punishment for a trip since Jackson Ford was suspended in August 2020.
The front-rower's suspension comes amid an injury concern for Sea Eagles and NSW State of Origin forward Haumole Olakau'atu after he limped off the field in the same game.
After leaving the field in the 23rd minute, he failed to return in the second half, but Manly coach Anthony Seibold was confident Olakau'atu's complaint wasn't serious.
Aloiai trip on Laurie....what was he thinking? One of the most deliberate actions you'll ever see imo#pantherpride#nrlpantherseagles #nrl pic.twitter.com/YcQdYPNHAB
— Chris Randall 🏆🏆🏆 (@PC4U_Hawkesbury) June 9, 2024
"I'm told it's minor, but the risk was that if we keep him out there that he does it properly," Seibold said.
"Of course we would have loved to have him, but if we keep him out there and he does his calf? We tried to be conservative with it – the medical staff tell me he's OK."
NSW coach Michael Maguire will name his squad for Origin II next Sunday, when Seibold anticipates Olakau'atu will play against St George Illawarra.
Fellow Sea Eagles prop Nathan Brown was also charged by the match review committee on Monday for a hair pull on Jarome Luai.
But he will be able to escape with an $1800 fine if he pleads guilty.
NCA NewsWire
