Warriors prop set for crusher tackle ban

A crusher tackler charge could cost Warriors prop Jamayne Taunoa-Brown up to four weeks on the sideline because of a previous offence.

The 24-year-old front rower was charged yesterday with a grade-two charge for his tackle on Hymel Hunt in the Warriors’ 20-16 loss to the Newcastle Knights on Friday night.

Taunoa-Brown, who made his NRL debut with the Warriors last year, accepted a one-man ban for dangerous contact with Sharks opponent Siosifa Talakai in a 2020 Premiership game.

A crusher tackle is deemed to have been committed when a grounded player’s chin is forced down towards his torso.

Two Newcastle players have been charged after Friday’s match.

Wellington-born Knights back Phoenix Crossland also faces a gradetwo crusher tackle charge for a hit on Warriors wing David Fusitu’a.

He could be banned for three weeks, reducible to two if he pleads guilty.

Newcastle’s Australian Kangaroos second rower Tyson Frizell was charged with dangerous contact in the head-neck area after a tackle on Warriors opposite number Eliesa Katoa in the 35th minute.

However, Frizell will not be suspended – he faces a fine of between $1150 to $1500.

Also headed to the judiciary is Canterbury winger Dallin WateneZelezniak, who is staring down the barrel of a two-game ban for his high shot also on former team-mate Nathan Cleary.

Watene-Zelezniak was one of two wingers charged yesterday, with North Queensland’s Kyle Feldt also facing at least two games out for a dangerous tackle.

Canterbury flier Watene-Zelezniak was sin-binned in Saturday’s 28-0 loss to Penrith, for a head-high tackle on Cleary that ended the Panthers’ halfback’s game early.

Cleary has since passed a HIA and is expected to be fit to play in Thursday’s grand final rematch against Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Feldt was handed a grade-two charge for a dangerous throw, after upending St George Illawarra centre Jack Bird in the Cowboy’s 25-18 defeat.

Feldt can take a two-game ban with an early guilty plea.