Kaufusi, Hughes fail at judiciary, Milf an opportunity, Tigers hit panic button, Hynes again, Bunnies depleted


Dolphins star Felise Kaufusi has failed in his bid to have a harmful contact cost downgraded on the judiciary on Tuesday night time and will probably be rubbed out for 4 matches after dropping his all-or-nothing bid to play on Friday.

Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes additionally took his possibilities on the judiciary later within the night time and misplaced, copping a two-game ban.

Kaufusi was denied a downgrade which might have resulted in him copping a positive and taking part in within the showdown with the Broncos however after failing to persuade the panel that he ought to get a extra lenient cost, his three-week ban has turn out to be 4 as it’s his third offence.

“In no way,” Kaufusi replied, when requested if his popularity had influenced the panel’s verdict. “It’ll take a while for this to sink in, I’m fairly disillusioned with the decision. I believed we had good grounds to struggle the downgrade, however I suppose the panel didn’t see it that approach.” 

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Felise Kaufusi of the Dolphins takes on the defence during the round two NRL match between the Dolphins and the Canberra Raiders at Kayo Stadium on March 11, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Felise Kaufusi takes on the defence within the Dolphins’ win over Canberra. (Photograph by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Photographs)

He was supported by Dolphins assistant coach Kristian Woolf and represented by lawyer Nick Ghabar on the listening to. However Ghabar’s argument didn’t wash with panel members Bob Lindner and Paul Simpkins, who upheld the match assessment committee’s verdict after a 30-minute deliberation. 

The veteran ahead, who has impressed the undefeated Dolphins along with his uncompromising defence within the opening three rounds, was pinged by the match assessment committee with a grade-two cost for a late hit on Jackson Hastings in Friday’s 36-20 win over Newcastle.

He had been copping some ribbing from his teammates earlier within the day with prop Mark Nicholls telling reporters that Kaufusi was assured of clearing his title. “He’s speaking himself up as the subsequent lawyer. Went house, watched Fits and desires to defend himself. Fortunately the membership’s employed an precise lawyer to do this for him.”

Anthony Milford may very well be a late Dolphins inclusion, with the previous Broncos playmaker coaching with the principle squad on Tuesday as teenage first-choice Isaiya Katoa nursed a sore elbow.

Hughes, like Kaufusi, rolled the cube on Tuesday within the hope he may very well be free to face the Tigers. He copped a harmful contact cost for a deal with on Tanah Boyd in Saturday’s 38-34 defeat to the Titans.

However Ghabar’s argument – centred on claiming Hughes was bracing to keep away from getting kicked within the face – held no sway with Lindner and Simpkins, who once more backed up the match assessment committee’s unique sanction.

Hughes’ suspension couldn’t have come at a worst time for the Storm, as they desperately search to bounce again from losses to Canterbury and the Gold Coast in successive weeks. 

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In the meantime, the Tigers have hit the panic button, overhauling their backbone in a bid to deliver their NRL dropping streak to a halt.

Adam Doueihi will shift from five-eighth to fullback, Brandon Wakeham from the bench to five-eighth and Daine Laurie from the casualty ward to the bench as they give the impression of being to kickstart their faltering assault and stop a 0-4 begin to 2023. Premiership-winner Charlie Staines strikes to the wing to accommodate Doueihi at fullback, pushing David Nofoaluma to the reserves.

The Tigers had scored solely 5 tries in 210 minutes of soccer this season earlier than making related modifications mid-game towards Canterbury on Sunday.

Cowboys ahead Jeremiah Nanai may have confronted two weeks out if he selected to contest his harmful contact cost, however has taken the $3000 positive.

Dally M Medal winner Nicho Hynes (calf) is again for the Sharks whereas Eels star Ryan Matterson (suspension) can be making his first look for 2023.

“Matto brings plenty of expertise, he’ll be a giant raise to the group,” Eels coach Brad Arthur stated.

“With that have, he’ll deliver that calmness in our defence. We’ve in all probability been missing a little bit little bit of stress defensively from our edges.”

Roosters centre Joey Manu has copped a one-game suspension after being charged for a grade two careless excessive deal with within the Sydney Roosters’ 20-18 win over South Sydney on Friday night time.

Manu collected Isaiah Tass within the 77th minute because the Rabbitohs centre neared the tryline with the Roosters clinging on for a drama-charged derby win.

The Roosters have a bye in spherical 4 earlier than a recreation towards Parramatta subsequent Thursday. Manu elected to not contest the cost which may have doubled his suspension. 

Souths prop Tevita Tatola has been dominated out for a month with a knee harm, bench ahead Shaquai Mitchell is more likely to miss eight weeks with a foot downside whereas Maroons consultant Jai Arrow isn’t able to return from a hamstring pressure this spherical.

Hame Sele was already out of this Saturday’s stoush with the Sea Eagles resulting from a concussion.

Raiders hooker Danny Levi has been dominated out for no less than eight weeks after breaking his jaw within the facet’s first win of the season. The hooker won’t be again earlier than spherical 12 and joins common first-graders Jordan Rapana (suspension), Nick Cotric (hamstring) and Xavier Savage (jaw) within the casualty ward.

Levi suffered his harm in a deal with on Sharks ahead Teig Wilton within the opening minute of the Raiders’ 24-20 win at Canberra on Sunday afternoon. The hit left NRL officers looking the sector for Levi’s lacking enamel at half-time.

Spherical 4 groups

Eels vs Panthers, at CommBank Stadium – 8pm, Thursday, March 23

Eels: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Matt Doorey 15. Brendan Fingers 16. Wiremu Greig 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Jirah Momoisea 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Toni Mataele 22. Haze Dunster

Matt Doorey injured his knee and Jack Murchie suffered a concussion within the loss to Manly. Doorey is ready to be sidelined for a number of weeks.

Ryan Matterson replaces Doorey within the second row, making his first look for the membership this yr after he controversially accepted a three-week ban from final yr’s Grand Closing as a substitute of paying a $4000 positive.

Younger hooker Brendan Fingers will make his debut from the interchange.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Zac Hosking 20. Tyrone Peachey 21. Jack Cogger 22. Thomas Jenkins

Scott Sorensen (concussion), who was changed by Matt Eisenhuth towards Souths in Spherical 2, is true to face Parramatta. Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai had minor foot considerations however may even be positive for the Grand Closing rematch. 

Storm vs Tigers, at AAMI Park – 6pm, Friday, March 24 

Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tariq Sims 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Tom Eisenhuth 19. Grant Anderson 20. Aaron Pene 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Jonah Pezet

Jahrome Hughes misplaced on the judiciary in his bid to play in Melbourne’s conflict with the Wests Tigers after copping a harmful contact cost for a deal with on Tanah Boyd in Saturday’s 38-34 defeat to the Titans. He has been outed for 2 matches.

Cameron Munster (finger) has been named to play whereas younger five-eighth Jonah Pezet, who made his NRL debut towards the Gold Coast, may take over at halfback now that Hughes is out after being named on the bench.

Jahrome Hughes runs.

(Photograph by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Photographs)

Tigers: 1. Adam Doueihi 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Daine Laurie 15. Alex Twal 16. Shawn Blore 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Starford To’a 19. Joe Ofahengaue 20. Justin Matamua 21. David Nofoaluma 22. Jake Simpkin

Tim Sheens has switched Adam Doueihi to fullback and Charlie Staines to the wing forward of David Nofoaluma after doing so halfway by the second half of the loss to Canterbury, which means Brandon Wakeham will begin within the halves alongside Luke Brooks.

Common fullback Daine Laurie (knee), Jake Simpkin (concussion) and Isaiah Papali’i (suspension) are returning though Simpkin has been listed within the reserves. Younger centre Tommy Talau (nostril) is out once more.

Dolphins vs Broncos, at Suncorp Stadium – 8pm, Friday, March 24

Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Kodi Nikorima 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Mason Teague 18. Poasa Faamausili 19. Kurt Donoghoe 20. JJ Collins 21. Anthony Milford 22. Robert Jennings

Jeremy Marshall-King is serving the second match of his two-game ban for a hip-drop deal with. 

Anthony Milford may very well be a late inclusion, with the previous Broncos playmaker coaching with the principle squad on Tuesday as teenage first-choice Isaiya Katoa nursed a sore elbow.

Felise Kaufusi has been pinged with a grade-two cost for harmful contact on Jackson Hastings in Friday’s 36-20 win over Newcastle.

Kaufusi tried to get his three-game suspension lowered to a positive however has been outed for 4 weeks by the judiciary panel on Tuesday night time. Ray Stone is more likely to come into the run-on facet at second row for Kaufusi.

Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Corey Jensen 17. Martin Taupau 18. Deine Mariner 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Kobe Hetherington 21. Jock Madden 22. Xavier Willison

Kevin Walters’ undefeated facet is unchanged for his or her sold-out conflict with their new rivals. Ezra Mam copped a bump to his knee within the win over the Dragons however ought to be positive.

Kobe Hetherington (bicep) is listed within the reserves as he nears a return.

Cowboys vs Titans, at QCB Stadium – 5.30pm, Saturday, March 25 

Cowboys: 1. Tom Chester 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Coen Hess 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Heilum Luki 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. James Tamou 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Riley Worth 20. Mitchell Dunn 21. Laitia Moceidreke 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Scott Drinkwater and Peta Hiku are nonetheless out with their respective suspensions so debutant fullback Tom Chester and centre Gehamat Shibasaki maintain their spots. Griffin Neame has been elevated to prop with Reuben Cotter out 2-4 weeks with a meniscus harm.

Jeremiah Nanai may have confronted two weeks out if he selected to contest his harmful contact cost, however has taken the $3000 positive.

Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Jo Vuna 16. Erin Clark 17. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 18. Klese Haas 19. Sam McIntyre 20. Toby Sexton 21. Keano Kini 22. Treymain Spry

Hooker Sam Verrills is ready to overlook a few months along with his damaged collarbone so Chris Randall will get an prolonged run at rake.

Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles, at Accor Stadium – 7.35pm, Saturday, March 25

Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 9. Damien Prepare dinner 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Davvy Moale 17. Jed Cartwright 18. Ben Lovett 19. Dean Hawkins 20. Tallis Duncan 21. Taane Milne 22. Peter Mamouzelos

Jai Arrow received’t make a return from his hamstring downside. Hame Sele suffered a Class 1 concussion within the loss to the Roosters so he will probably be stood down this spherical whereas Shaquai Mitchell (foot) is out for eight weeks and fellow prop Tevita Tatola will miss a month with a knee criticism.

Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Jacob Host and Blake Taaffe have been elevated to switch the injured trio.

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Kaeo Weekes 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Sean Keppie 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Cooper Johns 20. Morgan Harper 21. Karl Lawton 22. Ben Condon

No modifications for Manly – forwards Josh Aloiai and Taniela Paseka paid fines after harmful tackles on the weekend.

Warriors vs Bulldogs, at Mt Sensible Stadium – 2pm, Sunday, March 26

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Bayley Sironen 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Tom Ale 18. Josh Curran 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Rocco Berry 23. Demitric Sifakula

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion) will substitute Taine Tuaupiki after he made his NRL debut at fullback within the win over the Cowboys. Jackson Ford was additionally dominated out with a concussion and is ready to play within the second row.

Mitch Barnett’s neck harm isn’t severe however he won’t swimsuit up towards the Canine whereas Wayde Egan (concussion) may even sit this one out with Freddy Lussick beginning at hooker.

Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 14. Jayden Okunbor 15. Corey Waddell 16. Jayden Tanner 17. Fa’amanu Brown 19. Braidon Burns 20. Josh Reynolds 21. Karl Oloapu 22. Jackson Topine 23. Kurtis Morrin

Tevita Pangai jnr is closing in on a return from his calf pressure however subsequent spherical is extra probably. The Canine are unchanged.

Knights vs Raiders, at McDonald Jones Stadium – 4.05pm, Sunday, March 26 

Knights: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Hymel Hunt 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Finest 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Brodie Jones 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Kurt Mann 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Mathew Croker 17. Jack Johns 18. Dylan Lucas 19. Adam Clune 20. Thomas Cant 21. Enari Tuala 22. Tyson Frizell

Jayden Brailey (concussion) returns at hooker whereas Tyson Frizell is attempting to return from his ankle downside however has been named within the reserves.

Adam Elliott (groin), Kurt Mann (calf), Simi Sasagi (shoulder) and Krystian Mapapalangi (shoulder) are additionally sidelined, as is suspended prop Jacob Saifiti.

Fellow prop Daniel Saifiti (shoulder) is also out this week however has been named.

Dominic Younger has been dropped after an error-filled efficiency within the loss to the Dolphins, changed on the wing by Greg Marzhew.

Raiders: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. James Schiller 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Albert Hopoate 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Younger 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Harawira-Naera 14. Tom Starling 15. Pasami Saulo 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Emre Guler 18. Matt Frawley 19. Brad Schneider 20. Trey Mooney 21. Semi Valemei 22. Peter Hola

Danny Levi suffered a damaged jaw so Zac Woolford joins Tom Starling within the dummy-half rotation. Winger Nick Cotric (hamstring) missed the match and may very well be out for one more couple of weeks.

Josh Papalii is again within the entrance row after overcoming his calf downside.

Dragons vs Sharks, at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 6.15pm, Sunday, March 26 

Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Fowl 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Zane Musgrove 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr 18. Michael Molo 19. Max Feagai 20. Jaiyden Hunt 21. Talatau Amone 22. Aaron Woods

Jack de Belin (calf) continues to be not match to make his first look for 2023. Rookie ahead Toby Couchman returns from a one-week concussion layoff with Michael Molo out.

Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Royce Hunt 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braydon Trindall 18. Jack Williams 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Thomas Hazelton 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Connor Tracey

Nicho Hynes (calf) will probably be good to go whereas his substitute for the opening three rounds, Braydon Trindall, is unsure with an ankle harm. He has been named on the interchange.

Bye – Roosters

New recruit Nathan Brown (hamstring) won’t play for one more few weeks.

Roosters centre Joey Manu has taken a one-game suspension after being charged for a grade-two careless excessive deal with within the 20-18 win over South Sydney on Friday night time. If Manu contested the cost and was discovered responsible, he would have been slapped with a two-game suspension.



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