LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Canberra Raiders secured a thumping win over the Warriors in Las Vegas, but it came at a cost with captain Joseph Tapine and Xavier Savage facing time on the sidelines after being charged by the match review committee.
Tapine received a grade 2 shoulder charge offence, risking a two-match ban if he takes the early plea or potentially more if he contests and loses.
Losing Tapine would be a significant blow for the Raiders, as he has been a key player and three-time winner of the club's best player award, the Mal Meninga Medal.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, calling it a "massive call" and emphasizing the need for consistency in such decisions going forward.
Tapine's aggressive play that led to his charge, rushing out of the line to hit Mitchell Barnett, landed him in the sin bin during the match.
Meanwhile, Savage faces a one-week suspension for dangerous contact on Chanel Harris-Tavita during a high kick, a practice the NRL is cracking down on due to potential for serious injuries.
This crackdown comes in light of previous incidents, such as Lachlan Ilias' injury in the NSW Cup last year.
Despite the setback, the Raiders' forward pack remains a strong suit for the team.
However, the absence of Tapine and Savage would be felt in upcoming games, requiring other players to step up in their absence.
The team will have to adapt and adjust their game plan to compensate for the absence of these key players.
The looming suspensions highlight the importance of player discipline and adherence to the league's rules to avoid costly penalties and potential injuries.