The Roosters could be without Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for up to a month after the rugby-bound teen sensation was hit with a grade 2 dangerous contact charge by the match review committee.
Suaalii is facing a 3-4 week ban for an incident just before halftime when he lifted his knees and caught Bulldogs skipper Reed Mahoney in the head.
The contact forced Mahoney off for a head injury assessment that he failed and left the Bulldogs lacking any creativity out of dummy-half in the second half.
It’s not the first time the 19-year-old’s running style has attracted attention with Suaalii issued a concerning act notice last season, while he was also charged for an incident at last year’s World Cup.
The Roosters star was also fined $3000 for a late hit on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in round 2, which is part of the reason why he’s facing such a lengthy ban.
Suaalii will miss three weeks if he takes the early guilty plea but faces a four-match ban if he fights the charge at the judiciary and loses.
It’s been an indifferent start to the year for the Samoan fullback who scored his first try since round 1 in the win over the Bulldogs where he was shifted to right wing to get more involved.
Teammate Jake Turpin is facing a $1000 fine for a high tackle on Sunday, while North Queensland’s Coen Hess has been offered a $3000 fine for a high shot against the Storm.
Hess is facing a two-game ban if he fights the charge and loses.