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Fifita set to miss crunch Tonga-NZ Test

by Steve Zemek , 4 years ago

3 minute read

Prop Andrew Fifita is set to miss Tonga's Test with New Zealand after being charged with a crusher tackle on Canberra's Ryan Sutton.

FRANK PAUL NUUAUSALA of the Raiders is tackled by Tinirau Arona, Andrew Fifita and Wade Graham of the Sharks during the NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Canberra Raiders at Remondis Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
FRANK PAUL NUUAUSALA of the Raiders is tackled by Tinirau Arona, Andrew Fifita and Wade Graham of the Sharks during the NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Canberra Raiders at Remondis Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Renee McKay/Getty Images

Tonga have been struck a major blow ahead of their Test against New Zealand with Andrew Fifita set to miss the massive showdown because of suspension.

The Cronulla prop was on Friday charged for a crusher tackle on Canberra's Ryan Sutton by the NRL match review committee.

It means his only chance of taking part in next Saturday's Mt Smart Stadium clash is if he takes his case to the judiciary next week.

He was hit with a grade two dangerous contact - head/neck charge and will miss two weeks if he accepts the early guilty plea.

However he risks missing three weeks if he takes his case to the judiciary and loses.

Fifita fell on the Raiders back-rower's head as he lay on the ground during a tackle, bending his neck forward.

Fifita was on Thursday one of 22 players named in Kristian Woolf's Mate Ma'a squad but now looks set to be sidelined for the clash.

Tonga will still boast a formidable forward pack featuring the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Tevita Pangai Jnr and Addin Fonua-Blake.

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