Canberra Raiders winger Jordan Rapana charged after kick to rival’s head

Canberra Raiders winger Jordan Rapana was placed on report after kicking a Sydney Roosters player in the head and drawing blood.

Nic Savage

@nic_savage1

2 min read

June 6, 2022 - 1:08PM

Canberra Raiders winger Jordan Rapana.

Canberra Raiders winger Jordan Rapana has been charged for “dangerous contact” by the NRL Match Review Committee after kicking an opponent’s head during Sunday evening’s match against the Sydney Roosters.

In the first half of Canberra’s 22-16 victory at GIO Stadium, Rapana was brought down in a tackle by two players while Roosters lock Egan Butcher held onto his leg.

The 32-year-old retaliated by sticking out his boot, striking Butcher in the face and drawing blood.

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Rapana was placed on report for the incident, but former Brisbane Broncos captain Corey Parker suggested he lashed out because Butcher was performing a dangerous “cannonball tackle”.

“Butcher actually attacks the leg,” Parker told Fox League.

“He wasn’t happy with that, and I think Rapana’s actually lashed out in result of the feeling around the back of the knee.

“I think both players probably have a case to answer here, certainly Rapana … we don’t want to see that in the game.”

Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns elaborated on Channel 9’s coverage: “I thought it was a really dangerous tackle from Butcher, he goes in real low at the back of his legs.”

Rapana was charged with the grade two offence on Monday afternoon, and will miss one match if he takes an early guilty plea — if he unsuccessfully challenges his charge at the NRL Judiciary, he’ll be rubbed out for two.

Jordan Rapana of the Raiders. Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Roosters face an uphill battle to remain in the top eight throughout the Origin period after losing their crucial clash with the Raiders.

With brutal games against the Melbourne Storm, Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers awaiting them, the Roosters couldn’t afford to return from the nation’s capital having lost to the 11th-placed Raiders.

But despite the unwavering efforts of Joey Manu — the best player on the field in a beaten side — Trent Robinson’s men were left to rue poor discipline and missed opportunities in a six-point defeat that will be tough to swallow.

“The whole first half was penalties and errors,” Robinson told reporters in the post-match press conference.

“Overall, it’s really disappointing not to pressure right until the end.