North Queensland Cowboy Sione Faumuina was tonight rubbed out for 7 weeks after the NRL Judiciary found him guilty for a high shot on Luke Priddis in Monday Nights NRL match.
The failed attempt by Sione and the Cowboys to overthrow the charge has resulted in the initial grading of 5 weeks increased to 7 weeks – meaning the talented back rower will miss the rest of the NRL 2007 season, even if the North Queensland Cowboys go on to make the NRL Grand Final this year.
The decision looks to be the right one from the judiciary; backing up the charges laid by the referee and sending a clear message deliberate foul play won’t be tolerated. In this instance, the NRL and judicial system has got things right and deserves a pat on the back.
For the Cowboys, it means another forward goes missing in NRL 2007 – already without Tronc, O’Donnell, Lillyman and Southern – things look severe for the Northerners.
Video courtesy of Channel 10 (5.45pm Wed Night)