In a significant development for the Dolphins, their star player Felise Kaufusi has been handed a two-game suspension, a decision that comes as a shock just before their crucial match against the Knights. This suspension stems from a late hit on Adam Reynolds during the Dolphins’ emphatic victory over the Brisbane Broncos. The hit occurred early in the game after Reynolds fumbled the ball, leading to Kaufusi’s sin-binning. Despite the contact being described as “chest to shoulder” by Fox League commentator Greg Alexander, the judiciary found the hit to be dangerous, resulting in a second-grade dangerous contact charge against Kaufusi.
This ruling means that Kaufusi will miss the Dolphins’ must-win match against the Knights and their first final match, should they qualify. The Dolphins are considering whether to challenge the suspension, but doing so could result in an even harsher penalty of a three-match ban. This could potentially see Kaufusi miss two finals or the beginning of the 2025 season if the appeal is unsuccessful.
The timing of this suspension is particularly unfortunate for the Dolphins, who are in their second year and are fighting to maintain their position in the top eight. Their recent 40-6 victory over the Broncos, coupled with the Dragons’ surprising loss to the Eels, has given them a strong chance of making the finals. However, the absence of Kaufusi, a key enforcer for the team, could be a significant setback as they head into a high-stakes match against Newcastle.
Kaufusi’s suspension adds to his troubling judiciary record, with this being his ninth charge since the start of 2022. Despite this, Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has expressed that there is no need for Kaufusi to tone down his aggressive style of play. Bennett acknowledged that while there is a risk associated with Kaufusi’s aggressive approach, it also serves as a deterrent for opposition players. Bennett emphasized the importance of maintaining that intensity, suggesting that it is a key component of the team’s defensive strategy.
In addition to Kaufusi, fellow Dolphins forward Connelly Lemuelu was also charged with dangerous contact during the win against the Broncos. However, Lemuelu can avoid suspension by paying a $750 fine.
The Broncos are also facing their own judiciary issues, with forward Xavier Willison looking at a one-match ban for a high tackle. If Willison accepts the early plea, he will miss Brisbane’s last-round clash with Melbourne, a match that could have significant implications for their final standings.
In other judiciary news, there was some relief for Cronulla, with players Jack Williams and Kayal Iro avoiding suspensions for high tackles on Warriors veteran Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Both players have been charged but can accept fines, allowing them to be available for Cronulla’s match against Manly.
However, the Bulldogs are facing a crucial challenge as Bronson Xerri is set to miss their important clash with North Queensland due to a hip-drop tackle that injured Manly’s Jason Saab. Xerri received a grade-two dangerous contact charge, which means he will be sidelined for one match if he pleads guilty. If the Bulldogs contest the charge and lose, Xerri could face a two-game suspension that would carry over into the finals.
Given the importance of the upcoming match, it is unlikely that the Bulldogs will challenge the suspension, as they will want to avoid the risk of Xerri missing additional games. Xerri’s absence coincides with the return of Stephen Crichton from his own suspension, which is likely to keep Jeral Skelton in the Bulldogs’ backline for another week.
The Bulldogs are keenly aware of the stakes, as the match against the Cowboys could determine who secures a home final. Both teams are currently locked in fifth and sixth positions, and the loser of this match may have to face Manly at Brookvale in the first week of the finals if the Sea Eagles defeat Cronulla next week.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo remains hopeful despite the challenges, expressing optimism that his team has learned valuable lessons from their recent 34-22 loss to Manly. Ciraldo emphasized the importance of improving their defensive systems and processes, noting that this was the first time this season he has been truly disappointed in their defensive performance. He remains focused on ensuring that the team is prepared and consistent as they head into the finals.
Several other players from Friday night’s matches, including Manly’s Nathan Brown, Penrith’s Lindsay Smith, and South Sydney’s Tallis Duncan and Cody Walker, are also facing fines for various incidents. However, Sea Eagles’ five-eighth Luke Brooks managed to avoid a charge for a dangerous throw on Jacob Preston, keeping him on track to play in his first final since his debut in 2013.
As the regular season comes to a close, these judiciary decisions could have significant implications for the teams involved, particularly those on the cusp of finals contention. The outcomes of these matches and the impact of the suspensions will be closely watched as the teams vie for a spot in the finals and a chance to compete for the premiership.
