NRL news 2023, Felise Kaufusi, Dolphins to challenge dangerous contact charge from Jackson Hastings hit
The Dolphins will roll the dice at the NRL judiciary in the hope of making hitman Felise Kaufusi available for Friday’s all-Brisbane blockbuster.
Kaufusi was hit with a grade two dangerous contact charge after rushing out of the defensive line to whack Knights playmaker Jackson Hastings on Friday night.
Kaufusi hit Hastings in the back after the latter had passed the ball, causing the Newcastle halfback to leave the field for a head injury assessment, and miss the remainder of the contest, which the Dolphins won.
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The charge carried a three-game ban, but Kaufusi risks missing four games if he loses at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.
However, the club has opted to seek a downgrade to a grade one, which would result in a monetary fine only and no suspension.
It would allow Kaufusi to line up against the Broncos this week, for what is being billed as the battle of Brisbane between the two undefeated teams.
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Speaking on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, NRL legend Billy Slater said Kaufusi did have solid grounds to challenge the grading.
“I can actually find grounds for Felise to fight that (charge),” Slater said.
Kaufusi sin binned over brutal Hastings hit
“I think he pulled out of it late, and when the ball left Jackson’s hands he (Kaufusi) was committed.”
Slater’s co-panellist Andrew Johns, however, bristled at that suggestion.
“It’s the cheapest shot in the game,” Johns said.
“Hitting blokes in the back after they’ve passed the ball.”
The judiciary will sit on Tuesday night, where Kaufusi is expected to appear via video call.
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