David Fifita ban: Maroons and Titans gun suspended for one match

Queensland’s hopes of avoiding a humiliating Origin clean sweep have been dealt another massive blow, with young star David Fifita banned from Game Three.

David Fifita will miss Origin III. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Queensland’s efforts to avoid a clean sweep have taken a serious blow, with Titans backrower David Fifita out of Origin III after copping a one-match ban for a late tackle on Canberra’s Sam Williams.

The three-man NRL judiciary panel of Ben Creagh, Bob Lindner and Tony Puletua took just seven minutes of deliberation to uphold Fififta’s grade one dangerous contact charge on Tuesday night

His place in the 17 for next Wednesday’s match is expected to be taken by either Francis Molo or Thomas Flegler with the Cowboys and Broncos players to duke it out for the final spot on Paul Green’s bench.

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David Fifita will miss Origin III after being banned on Tuesday night. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Green’s side are already heavy underdogs and face the prospect of becoming the first Queensland side in 21 years, and just the fourth in history, to lose a series 3-0.

With Fifita out, their task just became that little bit tougher as they struggle to keep pace with a Blues side that are warmly favoured to cruise to victory despite losing halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, as well as prop Daniel Saifiti.

NRL counsel Peter McGrath argued Williams had relaxed after passing the ball and was clearly not braced for contact while in a vulnerable position.

He also maintained Fifita had adequate time to withdraw from the tackle.

“In rugby league terms, there was ample time for Fifita not to make contact,” McGrath said.

“I would submit Williams, acting in his role as playmaker, was no longer a threat to the defensive line, he received the ball well ahead of the line and made his pass well before the line.

“The ball was well and truly passed once Fifita made his contact. It involved an unacceptable risk of injury. It was late and it was avoidable.”

Fifita was represented by Titans football manager Anthony Laffranchi, who argued the 21-year old was already engaged as a defender and showed a proper duty of care with his tackle.

“Williams approached the defensive line with a positive body language, looking to engage defenders, which he does in this case with Fifita,” Laffranchi said.

“This engagement, as a ball-runner, has done it’s job. Fifita has limited time to change his decision.

“There was no contact with the head or neck. Fifita had to make an assessment whether to make a tackle in one second and in one stride.”

Fifita had endured a difficult series for Queensland, losing his starting spot for Origin II after struggling to replicate his dynamic running game.

He will be free to play in Gold Coast’s match against Parramatta next Friday night.

Earlier, Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was found guilty of contrary conduct – he will be fined $2550 for his involvement in a melee during the Tricolours’ loss to the Storm.

Originally published as David Fifita ban: Maroons and Titans gun suspended for one match