LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Canterbury Bulldogs faced a setback after their first loss of the NRL season to the Brisbane Broncos, resulting in three players receiving suspensions totaling nine weeks on the sidelines.
The Bulldogs' 6-0 winning streak came to an end with a 42-18 defeat by the Broncos at Lang Park, where three Bulldogs players were sin-binned during the game.
Winger Marcelo Montoya was penalized for a high hit on Broncos player Brendan Piakura, although it was noted that his repeated offenses contributed to the punishment.
Broncos winger Deine Mariner also saw the sin-bin for a high tackle on Viliame Kikau.
However, he managed to avoid any further disciplinary action.
On the other hand, Dogs forwards Sitili Tupouniua and Josh Curran were not as fortunate, both facing suspensions for their high tackles.
In addition, five-eighth Matt Burton was charged with a grade-two careless high tackle on Billy Walters.
Tupouniua received the harshest penalty, for a shoulder charge and lifting his knees into the tackler's head during the match.
With the team facing multiple suspensions, the Canterbury Bulldogs will have to regroup and adjust their lineup for the following matches to ensure continued success in the NRL season.