Panthers’ Victory Marred by Scott Sorensen’s Suspension While Bunnies Enforcer Penalised for Eye Gouging

The Panthers’ triumph against the Warriors in Auckland has been marred by a potential suspension for Scott Sorensen.

In another incident, a Bunnies enforcer has received just a fine for an eye gouge that went unnoticed during the live match.

Sorensen has been handed a two-match ban for a hip-drop tackle on Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, which occurred late in the first half of his team’s 28-18 victory in Auckland.

DWZ was forced to limp off the field and did not return for the remainder of the game. Following the break, Sorensen was put on report for the tackle.

On Sunday morning, Sorensen received a grade two dangerous contact charge. If he contests the charge at the judiciary and is unsuccessful, he could face an additional week on the sidelines.

Later in the match, he was reported again for a high tackle on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, which resulted in a grade one careless high tackle charge and an $1800 penalty.

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In a post-match debrief, Warriors coach Andrew Webster indicated that Watene-Zelezniak is suspected to have a syndesmosis injury, anticipating that the player will be unavailable for an extended period.

Meanwhile, Nicoll-Klokstad also received a $1000 fine for a high tackle on Thomas Jenkins in the first half.

In the final minutes of regular time during the Bunnies’ 25-24 defeat at Accor Stadium, Lachlan Hubner was tackled by Trent Loiero and Harry Grant. As Loiero got off Hubner, the Bunnies lock maliciously rubbed his fingers into his opponent’s face.

Although Loiero reacted by grabbing his face as the game continued, on-field officials did not see the incident, but it was noted by the Match Review Committee. On Sunday morning, he was charged with grade one contrary conduct but only received an $1800 fine.

From the Knights-Dolphins clash, James Schiller narrowly escaped suspension for a high tackle on Oryn Keeley, being charged with a grade one careless high tackle and receiving a $3000 fine.