Dragons winger Mikaele Ravalawa has apologised after he was sent off for calling a match official a “c---” in the dying stages of a NSW Cup match on Friday night.
A remorseful Ravalawa will be at the mercy of the NSW Rugby League judiciary after being marched for dissent towards a touch judge after the Eels were controversially awarded the winning try with just two minutes left at WIN Stadium.
Ravalawa and Dragons teammates protested with the referee the ball had been knocked on following a high kick before Matt Doorey touched down for Parramatta, but their pleas were ignored.
When a sideline official jogged to the in-goal to mark the spot where the try was scored to allow the kicker to line up the conversion, Ravalawa walked towards the touch judge and appeared to abuse him.
Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity given the matter is yet to be finalised with the governing body said Ravalawa swore and used the term “c---” in frustration.
The sideline official calmly walked towards the referee to report the incident, which prompted Ravalawa’s send-off.
Dragons winger Mikaele Ravalawa.Credit: Getty Images
The Fijian international immediately expressed regret for his comment and visited the match officials after the game.
“I apologised after the game,” Ravalawa said. “It was not professional and I’m sorry.”
The referee will table a report to the NSWRL on Monday which will precede Ravalawa being charged, with the Fijian international facing a lengthy suspension.
The Doorey try handed the Eels a contentious 18-14 win against the high-flying Dragons, who fought back into the contest when Ravalawa scored St George Illawarra’s first try.
The 26-year-old lost his place in Shane Flanagan’s NRL side last week and was playing his second NSW Cup match for the season – an exile from the top grade which is now likely to extend into months.
On his day, Ravalawa is one of the most damaging wingers in the NRL and finished last season as the Dragons’ top try-scorer in the NRL with 21.
But in 10 top grade games this year, Ravalawa had crossed for only three tries as rival teams targeted his defensive frailties.
St George Illawarra’s NRL side surged into the top eight – albeit temporarily – with a massive 56-14 win over the Tigers on Friday night.
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