Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Dragons’ Emre Guler Braces for Lengthy Suspension Over Crusher Tackle
St George Illawarra Dragons are contending with further setbacks to their forward lineup as Emre Guler confronts a significant ban, potentially spanning at least three matches, due to a crusher tackle. This disciplinary action follows a busy morning for the National Rugby League (NRL) match review committee, which also saw Canterbury Bulldogs forward Sitili Tupouniua facing suspension and other players receiving fines.
Guler Faces Grade One Charge
The Dragons’ enforcer, Emre Guler, received a grade-one charge for a crusher tackle inflicted upon Shaun Blore during St George Illawarra’s unexpected victory over Melbourne. While such an offense typically carries a $1500 fine with an early guilty plea, Guler’s prior disciplinary record exacerbates the penalty.
Due to two prior offenses within his last three games, the starting prop is now looking at a three-game suspension with an early admission of guilt. Should he contest the charge and fail, Guler risks a four-game stint on the sidelines.
Impact on Dragons’ Forward Stocks
This suspension further strains the Dragons’ forward depth, which was already tested at the season’s outset following Francis Molo’s departure. Although David Klemmer’s arrival had eased some pressure, the team is still navigating injuries to key players.
Ryan Couchman is sidelined for the entire season, and Hame Sele, along with Tom Eisenhuth, remain unavailable for the upcoming weekend’s matches. Consequently, the already thin forward pack is under renewed pressure.
Blake Lawrie emerges as a likely replacement against Parramatta in the next round, having been notably absent from reserve grade action this past weekend.
Bulldogs Also Face Disciplinary Issues
Canterbury Bulldogs are also grappling with disciplinary consequences. Second-rower Sitili Tupouniua has been sanctioned with a minimum one-match suspension for dangerous contact.
Furthermore, Tupouniua’s teammate Reed Mahoney received two charges stemming from a high tackle and dangerous contact incident. However, Mahoney can circumvent suspension by paying a total of $3600 in fines.
Papali’i and Others Fined
Canberra Raiders prop Josh Papali’i also incurred substantial financial penalties after Canberra’s defeat to North Queensland. He was fined $6000 for a high tackle on Sam McIntyre and for making contact with referee Adam Gee.
In addition to Guler, Tupouniua, Mahoney, and Papali’i, four other players also received fines from the NRL match review committee for various on-field incidents this weekend.
Tupouniua’s Suspension Details
Sitili Tupouniua’s charge adds to the Bulldogs’ back-row challenges, particularly as they are currently without Viliame Kikau.
Tupouniua, who participated off the bench in Saturday night’s upset victory against Cronulla Sharks, was sin-binned at the final whistle for a late, high tackle on Braydon Trindall.
He will be forced to miss the crucial upcoming match against Newcastle Knights with an early guilty plea. Resisting the charge and losing at the judiciary could see him also miss the Good Friday fixture against South Sydney Rabbitohs.