Politoni’s facing the music over ugly punch

BEARS hooker Pat Politoni will nervously await the result of a judiciary hearing tonight as the fallout continues from his ugly Intrust Super Cup incident with Townsville halfback Michael Parker-Walshe.

Politoni was referred straight to the judiciary for a striking charge of a yet to be announced grade, after the 28year-old snapped on Sunday when shoved in the back of the head, spinning around and punching Parker-Walshe.

The moment was captured on video, with Politoni at the centre of an online backlash.

While the Bears have openly conceded their player acted wrongly, they do believe certain factors need to be taken into account, including Politoni’s previously clean record.

Burleigh have sought the legal services of Jim Coburn to represent Politoni. Coburn previously has helped clear the names of both Sami Sauiluma and Josh Ailaomai to allow them to line up in the club’s 2016 grand final win.

“We understand that it doesn’t look great and we’re disappointed with what happened,” Burleigh chief executive Damian Driscoll said.

“Pat has played over 10 years at NRL and Intrust Super Cup level and has never been charged so we hope that is taken into consideration.”

Parker-Walshe was charged with grade one detrimental conduct but will be free to play this weekend with an early guilty plea.

Sam Coster, Jordan Scott and Kai O’Donnell are among the Bears’ options at hooker for their Round 5 match against Souths Logan on Sunday at Davies Park.