Bears slam suspension
BURLEIGH Bears will challenge the four-week suspension handed to Mudgeeraba forward Lorenzo Ma’afu for striking and contrary conduct as “grossly inadequate.”
Club official and Intrust Super Cup coach Rick Stone advised Rugby League Gold Coast on Friday that the club had secured fresh evidence for the judiciary to consider.
Burleigh provided testimony from victim Jordan Scott, whose cheekbone was fractured by a punch while bound into a scrum, and a report from the match referee.
“The reason we’re making this appeal is not to go after justice for Jordan, it’s to support our players and make sure they are protected appropriately,” Stone said.
“The main thing is we just don’t think the charge is suitable to the incident, considering Jordan wasn’t able to defend himself.”
“We think (Ma’afu) deserved a bit more but it’s now in the hands of a new judiciary to have a look at.
“Every incident has to be judged on merit but hopefully this will make them look at things a little closer.”
Proceedings begin next week.