SLEDGING REPORT
BEAR FACES CHARGE:
BURLEIGH could be headed for an unusual judiciary case after utility Sam Coster was put on report for a brutal sledge on controversial Redcliffe prop Matt Lodge.
The heated exchange occurred during Redcliffe’s 32-16 win at Pizzey Park yesterday and was sparked by Lodge – who is on the comeback trail after being arrested in 2015 for a violent rampage in New York – throwing the football at Coster’s face.
Both Coster and Bears coach Jimmy Lenihan declined to reveal what had been said but the latter indicated they would likely fight any potential punishment.
Coster downplayed the incident as “just a few words”.
“Just a heated moment on the footy field,” he said. “There’s nothing in it, I’m sure it will be all fine. We shook hands after the game.”
The former NSW Cup premiership winner was joined on report by Dylan Kelly, cited for putting an opponent in a dangerous position.
Those citings, plus injury concerns for Jamie Dowling (concussion), Sami Sauiluma
(leg), Darren Griffiths (glute) and Daniel Vidot (sciatica), leave the Bears in a state of uncertainty ahead of next weekend’s Papua New Guinea trip.
On Saturday, Tweed Heads lost 40-14 to a happy-go-lucky Ipswich as tries conceded late in both halves again hurt the last-placed Seagulls.
“You have got to be proud of the fact that you play out the full 80 minutes and that even when the scoreline looks like with five minutes to go that you’re not able to win it, you don’t give up cheap points,” Tweed coach Aaron Zimmerle said.