A big moment at Accor Stadium could have significant consequences for Penrith if the team progresses to next week’s NRL grand final.
Superstar backrower Viliame Kikau was put on report for a shoulder charge on South Sydney’s Campbell Graham.
Kikau had barreled over Taane Milne as the latter readied himself to receive a spiral kick from Nathan Cleary.
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Moments later, the Panthers firebrand floored Graham with a big shot, but it was pulled up by referee Ashley Klein.
“Now, they are trying to inflict maximum damage without the ball here, Panthers,” Nine caller Mat Thompson said.
After the Bunker ruled out high contact, referee Klein placed Kikau on report for a shoulder charge.
He will now be sweating on the match review committee on Sunday to see if he faces a suspension.
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“It’s difficult with these ones. You have nowhere to wrap your arm. You have your teammate next to you,” Billy Slater said.
“There was no wrapping motion with the left arm. The left arm was out,” Andrew Johns added.
Slater baffled by Bunker call
“Campbell Graham, he’s carried ribs, busted ribs, into this game?”
The Rabbitohs were awarded the penalty on their way to a 12-0 lead, which was cut down in the final minutes before half time.
“Well, early on in the game, that six-to-go cost them four minutes defending. Jarome Luai gave a penalty away that cost them six points,” Brad Fittler said.
“Now Kikau’s just given a penalty away. You can’t let South Sydney advance up the field like this.”
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