Eels forward cops ban for crusher tackle
Parramatta's Marata Niukore could miss the rest of the NRL finals after he was charged with a crusher tackle in Saturday's qualifying final loss to Melbourne.
It's the second charge for the 24-year-old Eels forward this season and he faces a three-week ban if he unsuccessfully challenges it at judiciary on Tuesday night.
Should he take the early guilty plea he will miss two games - next week's semi-final and potentially a preliminary final - and will not play again this season unless the Eels make the decider.
Niukore was put on report in the 27th minute of Saturday's 36-24 loss with an awkward tackle on Storm forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
Penrith second-rower Viliame Kikau will contest his dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary in an attempt to play the preliminary final in a fortnight.
Kikau is facing a one-week ban for his tackle on Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves early in Friday night's 29-28 victory at Panthers Stadium.
He will miss one game regardless of how he pleads, meaning there is no risk in contesting the charge on Tuesday night.
Storm skipper Cameron Smith was also hit with a grade one dangerous throw on Eels half Dylan Brown, but he will avoid suspension with an early guilty plea.
