New Zealand's Mulitalo red-card blow

Mulitalo Sent Off  - IRL

Joseph Tapine is available for New Zealand's Rugby League World Cup semi-final after escaping a charge over a tackle in the 78-0 win against Fiji.

Winger Ronaldo Mulitalo will miss the match after the International Rugby League handed him a one-game suspension on Sunday.

Mulitalo was sent off in the 51st minute, when New Zealand led 48-0, for a high shoulder hit on Ronald Philitoga.

Referee Grant Atkins called the contact with Philitoga's head "direct and forceful". The IRL imposed a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle ban, which would increase to two games if Mulitalo contests the charge and loses.

Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham also received a one-match suspension for punching Mulitalo in the head immediately after the tackle.

New Zealand face the winner of tonight's Week 3 match between Tonga and Samoa at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle next Saturday night. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is expected to replace Mulitalo on the wing.

Menu
LeagueNews.co | Contact Us
All rights are owned by their respective owners
Terms & Conditions of Use