Broncos star Jordan Riki has been handed a two-match ban for an off-the ball hit on Souths’ Cameron Murray, which sparked a melee in the loss to Souths on Friday night.
South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell and Riki were both sin-binned with 24 minutes remaining after Riki caught Murray without the ball, leading to a confrontation with Mitchell.
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Riki has been suspended by the match review committee for two games which will increase to three if he challenges the dangerous contact charge and loses.
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While Mitchell was hit with a contrary conduct charge, which will see him pay a $3000 fine if he pleads guilty. He risks a two-game ban if he fights the charge and loses.
Post-game, Murray said it “looked worse than it was”.
“I’m fine … he didn’t get me in the head or anything so I’m all good,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
Speaking to media after the match, Broncos coach Kevin Walters said he was surprised Riki was not sent off for the incident.
“I thought he was lucky to stay on the field,” Walters said.
“He (Riki) was a bit off tonight – he’ll be the first to admit it – and we’ll have a discussion with him. His effort was good, but he didn’t have his head in the right space.
“I don’t think he’ll get suspended. I thought a send off would have been sufficient.”