NRL 2020: Broncos ban Joe Ofahengaue for two games

A “disappointed” Joe Ofahengaue will be sidelined from crucial early matches in the 2020 season after the Broncos banned him from playing after off-field indiscretions.

BRONCOS forward Joe Ofahengaue has been officially suspended from the opening two rounds of the NRL season for disciplinary reasons.

Ofahengaue will miss Brisbane’s Round 1 blockbuster against North Queensland in Townsville on March 13 and the Broncos’ showdown against Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on March 20.

Joe Ofahengaue will miss the first two games of the season. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Queensland Origin forward pleaded guilty in court earlier this month to being in charge of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.136.

Ofahenague, 24, had his licence suspended for three months and was fined $1000. He has previously faced court over separate driving charges and a casino cheating scandal.

The ARL Commission on Friday morning green-lighted a two-game ban for Ofahengaue following an investigation by the NRL’s Integrity Unit.

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The suspension of 90-game player Ofahengaue is a blow to the Broncos following a serious knee injury to prop Matt Lodge and a hamstring concern for captain Alex Glenn.

“Joe is really disappointed in himself and very remorseful for what he has done,” said Broncos CEO Paul White.

“As a club, our goal is to set a standard for our players and Joe understands that he must pay a price for his actions that night.

“That price impacts on his teammates as he will miss the opening two rounds of the NRL season – but we know that Joe has learned from his mistake.”

Ofahengaue’s suspension has opened the door for rising Kiwi star Jordan Riki to potentially make his NRL debut against the Cowboys.

The Broncos will play their final pre-season trial against the Titans at Redcliffe on Saturday night and coach Anthony Seibold will get a look at his options.