Bulldogs back-rower Corey Waddell has been referred straight to the judiciary for his alleged eye gouge on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
The incident, which took place during the 23rd minute of the Bulldogs 10-point victory over the Titans, was assessed as dangerous contact by the NRL match review committee.
As the fiery encounter started to heat up, Fa’asuamaleaui came out of a tackle gesturing to referee Ben Cummins that he had been eye gouged.
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Replays clearly showed Waddell’s hands scrape across Tino’s face, but there was no apparent gouging motion.
Canterbury teammate Brandon Wakeham was last year suspended for four weeks for a blatant eye gouge during a NSW Cup game against St George Illawarra.
It was later thought Fa’asuamaleaui could also find himself in hot water for a subsequent shoulder charge on Tevita Pangai Jr.
The Titans captain was penalised for the hit, but wasn’t placed on report.
No further punishment has been sort by the match review committee.
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