In a blow to Tonga’s World Cup hopes, Jason Taumalolo is facing a long ban for dangerous contact on Eels star Isaiah Papali’i in Friday night’s defeat to Parramatta in Townsville.
Taumalolo was sent to the bin after late contact struck the Eels star high in the 15th minute, resulting in a grade two charge. The Cowboys forward will miss three games should he take an early guilty plea, if he fights the charge and loses, he will be handed a four-game ban.
Taumalolo’s poor record led to the longer suspension but it could have been worse had the NRL ruled it a shoulder charge rather than a dangerous contact charge.
The news is a huge blow to Tonga’s World Cup bid, who face PNG, Wales and the Cook Islands in their group stage at next month’s tournament.
Taumalolo will likely have a warm up game with France counted against his suspension, leaving him free to return against the Cook Islands.
Parramatta co-captain Junior Paulo is free to play in the decider and escaped without a fine for a dangerous tackle in the second half, which led to a penalty.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
The 2022 RLPA Dream Team – as voted by every contracted NRL player
