Bulldogs enforcer Viliame Kikau will avoid suspension for a “heavy” late shot on Jake Clifford during his side’s disappointing round 27 loss against the Cowboys.
The star back-rower was placed on report on the eve of the finals during Saturday’s 44-6 defeat, which places them in danger of losing home-ground advantage in week one.
Kikau flew out of the line to put pressure on Clifford, but the Canterbury star got his timing wrong and was penalised for the incident.
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“He might be in some trouble here,” club great Michael Ennis said on Fox League.
“Viliame Kikau has cleaned up Jake Clifford, who has luckily bounced back to his feet. This is heavy pressure from the inside … out of the line and just levels Clifford.
“It’s been a real focus of Canterbury’s defence this year, the aggression from their back-rowers. It’s not high, no danger in that, but it’s certainly late.
“A week out from the finals, he is skating a fine line.”
Kikau has since been hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge and given his prior indiscretions, will be fined $3000 with an early guilty plea.
If the club opts to fight the charge and lose, Kikau will miss two matches.
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North Queensland’s win secures them a home final in the opening week of the post-season, with their opponent to be decided on Sunday afternoon following the result of the Knights and Dolphins showdown.
Earlier on Saturday, Dragons star Jack de Belin and Raiders back-rower Hudson Young were both cited by the MRC, but will be free to play next year.
In the later fixture on Saturday night, Kieran Foran was slapped with two charges, but will escape suspension for the start of the 2025 season.
The veteran Titans halfback was charged for two separate high tackles, with both resulting in a grade one careless charge and a $750 fine.