Queensland are set to be without Dolphins second-rower Felise Kaufusi for the State of Origin opener after the enforcer was put on report for a high shot in Melbourne’s 24-16 win at Suncorp Stadium.
A fired-up Kaufusi was sin-binned in the second minute for a swinging arm that collected his former Storm teammate Christian Welch in the head on Saturday night.
Kaufusi was rubbed out for four games earlier in the season for a late and high shot on Newcastle’s Jackson Hastings.
The 31-year-old was set to be picked for the Maroons for the series opener in Adelaide on May 31, but the nature of the hit on Welch, combined with his record, will almost certainly count against him.
Kaufusi’s likely absence for the Maroons has opened the door for Gold Coast second-rower David Fifita to win selection when the Queensland side is named on Monday.
The Dolphins will have more concerns when the match review committee convenes on Sunday after second-rower Kenny Bromwich was put on report for dangerous contact on Storm fullback Nick Meaney when his former teammate was on the ground.
Felise Kaufusi gets his marching orders.Credit: NRL Photos
Storm back-rower Eliesa Katoa was also put on report for a hip drop tackle, but in general play he was dynamic. The former Warrior crashed over with brute strength and then showcased his ball playing skills to put Reimis Smith over.
The 23-year-old is proving to be one of the buys of the year and has been a key figure in the Storm’s surge to a share of the premiership lead.