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Knights forward facing three-game NRL ban

3 minute read

A crusher tackle could sideline Newcastle forward Mitchell Barnett for at least three games after he was charged by the NRL's match review committee.

Newcastle's Mitchell Barnett is facing at least a three-game NRL ban after being charged for a crusher tackle on Melbourne's Jahrome Hughes.

Barnett left Storm fullback Hughes in pain after the tackle in the first half of the Knights' defeat at AAMI Park on Saturday.

The 25-year-old back-rower has been charged with a grade three dangerous contact offence and will miss three weeks with an early guilty plea.

Barnett will get a five-game ban if he contests the charge and loses.

The tackle, where Barnett left his feet to force Hughes down, resulted in a scuffle between players of both teams.

The Knights enforcer is the third player facing a ban from incidents during this weekend's NRL action.

Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita's hopes of playing for Tonga against New Zealand next weekend are in the balance after he was also charged for a crusher tackle.

Fifita fell on the head of Canberra's Ryan Sutton during the Sharks' loss to the Raiders on Thursday night.

Fifita has been hit with a grade two dangerous contact charge and will miss two games - including next weekend's Test at Mt Smart Stadium - if he accepts the early guilty plea.

If he attempts to beat the charge to line-up for the Mate Ma'a, he risks a three-match ban if found guilty.

Veteran Warriors forward Adam Blair is facing a one-game ban for a late hit on Gold Coast five-eighth Tyrone Roberts in Friday's clash at Cbus Super Stadium.

In his 300th NRL game, Blair tackled Roberts off the ball and was sin-binned in the final minute of the Warriors' 24-20 win.

Blair's been charged with making dangerous conduct and will miss a game unless he successfully challenges the charge.

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