Colts pair hit with striking charges

A PAIR of Bears rising stars are facing extended periods on the sidelines to kickstart the colts campaign after both were charged for striking in a recent trial clash.

Middle forward Carsen Patu and backrower Jesse Tu’inukuafe face five and three match suspensions respectively if found guilty, with both able to miss one less match with an early plea.

With only 16 regular season games in the season the fivegame ban would put Patu out for around a third of the year.

The incident took place in the club’s 38-10 trial defeat against Western Clydesdales on Saturday in the contest’s dying stages, shortly after Patu was penalised and placed on report for a dangerous throw.

Clydesdales’ Patrick O’Callaghan was also charged with contrary conduct at the same time, and will escape with an official warning with an early guilty plea.

At the time of the clash, the game did not appear to be played with any extra heat or intensity. Rather a quick moment of flare between the two sides ensued in response to a hard-hitting tackle and the reactions to the hit that followed.

Two minutes later, by the time the full-time whistle blew, it was all handshakes and hugs between the two teams.

Burleigh coach Matt Foster said they would accept the early guilty plea for the players and learn from the mistakes.

“The only thing I want to say on record, they’ve had a look at it, they’ve handed down their punishment and we’ve accepted it,” Foster said. “We learn and move on.” Meanwhile Bears QRLW lock Sophie Buller will face three games on the sidelines if found guilty of a dangerous contact charge at the judiciary.

The 22-year-old will need to argue her case if she is to line up against the Capras on Saturday afternoon, fresh off a barnstorming performance in the 28-14 triumph over Norths Devils in round 1.