Parramatta Eels’ enforcer Kelma Tuilagi has been hit with a hefty suspension for a brutal crusher tackle on Jack De Belin during the Eels’ defeat against the Dragons on Saturday.
In the final moments of the match, De Belin twisted into the tackle as Tuilagi brought him down, with the full weight of Tuilagi crashing onto De Belin’s shoulders.
After the incident, De Belin quickly rose to his feet as a brawl erupted in the centre of WIN Stadium. Tuilagi was penalised and placed on report for his actions.
Kelma Tuilagi of the Eels faces a three-match ban due to a crusher tackle on Jack De Belin. Fox Sports
Kyle Flanagan converted the goal to seal the final score at 34-20.
As of Sunday morning, Tuilagi has been charged with a grade two crusher tackle and faces a three-match suspension. If he opts to contest the charge and is unsuccessful, he could receive an additional match ban.
The two players may soon find themselves as teammates when De Belin joins the Eels next season, despite Tuilagi yet to secure a contract for 2026.
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Tuilagi wasn’t alone in being cited from the match, as Eels prop Jack Williams received a $1000 fine for a careless high tackle on Emre Guler during the first half.
With Tuilagi absent, he will join teammates Ryley Smith and Will Penisini in the stands, who are serving suspensions for a dangerous throw last week. The Eels will also be missing Bailey Somonsson, Sam Tuivaiti, Luca Moretti, and Mitchell Moses due to injuries.
The Eels are set to host the Panthers at CommBank Stadium in a fortnight.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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