NRL 2022: Raiders rocked by double judiciary blow

Canberra fans were already filthy after Nelson Asofa-Solomona was allowed to stay on the field on Sunday. Now they’ll be downright furious.

The Raiders can’t afford to lose Jordan Rapana with the finals so close. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Canberra’s charge towards the finals has hit a major roadblock, with veteran winger Jordan Rapana facing a lengthy ban for two separate incidents during Sunday’s gutsy win in Melbourne.

Rapana is facing two weeks on the sidelines if he accepts a ban for a grade two high shot on the Storm’s Marion Seve that forced the young centre off for an HIA and resulted in the Raiders winger spending 10 minutes in the sin bin.

Jordan Rapana was involved in everything in Melbourne. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images

He would get three weeks if he fought the decision at the judiciary and lost, meaning he would miss games against the Warriors, Titans and Panthers.

Rapana was also cited for a grade one shoulder charge on Seve at the end of the first half. He can cop a $3000 fine if he takes the early guilty plea, but the punishment would increase to two games if he fights it and loses.

The fiery winger was seemingly involved in all the heated moments on Sunday, with Raiders fans furious that Melbourne’s Nelson Asofa-Solomona was allowed to stay on the field after his shoulder made direct contact to Rapana’s head.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona won’t miss any games for his high shot. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Storm giant was placed on report but Rapana was forced off for an HIA moments later, which has sparked debate as to whether players should be sent to the sin bin if an act of foul play forces an injured player to leave the field.

Asofa-Solomona was hit with a grade one careless high tackle charge and can escape with an $1800 fine for his second offence of the season.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Raiders rocked by double judiciary blow