TonganEagle
Member
Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai is facing up to three weeks on the sideline after being charge with a grade 4 careless high tackle for his hit on Panthers forward Danny Galea.
Matai was put on report after knocking Galea out in a big tackle in the 66th minute of Sunday's 22-4 loss at Centrebet Stadium.
The Kiwi international will miss two weeks if he takes the early guilty plea or three weeks for an unsuccessful challenge.
One prior similar offence and a prior non-similar offence don't help Matai's cause, with 70 per cent loading applied to this charge.
Asked about the tackle after the game on Sunday, Manly coach Geoff Toovey suggested the tackle may have slipped up as the hit was made.
"I thought initially there was contact with the ball," he said.
Matai and the coaching staff are considering their options. They have until midday Tuesday to make their decision.
Matai was put on report after knocking Galea out in a big tackle in the 66th minute of Sunday's 22-4 loss at Centrebet Stadium.
The Kiwi international will miss two weeks if he takes the early guilty plea or three weeks for an unsuccessful challenge.
One prior similar offence and a prior non-similar offence don't help Matai's cause, with 70 per cent loading applied to this charge.
Asked about the tackle after the game on Sunday, Manly coach Geoff Toovey suggested the tackle may have slipped up as the hit was made.
"I thought initially there was contact with the ball," he said.
Matai and the coaching staff are considering their options. They have until midday Tuesday to make their decision.