Jordan Rapana and Wade Graham banned for ‘brutal’ hit and ‘car crash’ tackle: NRL Charge Sheet

Jordan Rapana and Wade Graham are both facing long stints on the sideline after absolutely brutal tackles in the NRL’s opening round.

Jordan Rapana and Wade Graham.

Jordan Rapana may have avoided serious punishment on the field but the Raiders winger is looking at a minimum of three games on the sideline for a shoulder charge on Scott Drinkwater.

He is not the only player to be looking at a lengthy spell though, with Sharks forward Wade Graham also facing the prospect of being unavailable for selection for at least three weeks.

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Starting with the Rapana incident though, it took place in the 27th minute of Saturday night’s game between North Queensland and Canberra as Drinkwater returned a Raiders kick deep inside his own half.

The Cowboys fullback was then met by Rapana, who appeared to make little attempt to wrap his arms around Drinkwater.

That was absolutely brutal! 😳

How was Jordan Rapana not sent off for this? 🤔

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Drinkwater was sent flying but Rapana was not finished there, later coming in with what appeared to be a swinging arm as he completed the tackle.

Andrew Voss described it as an “absolutely brutal” hit in commentary while even former Raider Mal Meninga said Rapana “could be in a bit of trouble” for failing to wrap his arms around in the tackle.

Rapana was subsequently charged with a grade one offence on Sunday and given it is his third and subsequent offence, he is looking at a three-game ban even with the early plea.

Should he unsuccessfully fight the charge, Rapana is instead facing four games.

Someone tell me how Jordan Rapana is still on the field?#NRLCowboysRaiders

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It was not the first time Rapana had found himself under the scrutiny of the match review committee.

Rapana was sent to the sin bin in Canberra’s trial game against the Wests Tigers after a high shot on Adam Doueihi, later charged with a grade one careless high tackle.

Rapana though was able to avoid any time on the sidelines by taking the early plea, which saw him fined $3,000.

As for Graham, he was sent to the sin bin after a high shot on Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale.

Greg Alexander said initially that he thought the shot was “ball and chest” but the referee deemed that Graham had “left the ground and made contact with the head”.

Dan Ginnane described it as a “car crash” tackle in commentary and Graham was later charged with a grade one reckless high tackle.

Jordan Rapana collected Scott Drinkwater.

It was his first offence but Graham is still facing three games on the sideline with an early plea and that becomes four should he fight the charge and be unsuccessful.

Sharks teammates Briton Nikora (shoulder charge) and Braden Hamlin-Uele (careless high tackle) were also charged but are only looking at fines of $3,000 and $1,800 respectively with early pleas.

For Nikora, the difference between his shoulder charge and that of Rapana is the fact it was only his second offence while the Raiders winger has a more extensive history.

Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt was also charged for a grade one careless high tackle but it was his first offence of that kind and he is facing a fine irrespective of whether he takes the early plea or fights the charge.

Originally published as Jordan Rapana and Wade Graham banned for ‘brutal’ hit and ‘car crash’ tackle: NRL Charge Sheet