19 Mar 2009

Hauraki gets two weeks for grapple tackle

6:27 am on 19 March 2009

The Parramatta league player Weller Hauraki has been suspended for two weeks by the NRL Judiciary for a grapple tackle on the Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon.

Hauraki pleaded guilty to the dangerous contact charge for unnecessary contact to the head or neck, but he was contesting the level two grading.

He's the first player to be suspended under new guidelines governing grapple tackles and wrestling moves.

There were five players charged for such offences over the first round of the NRL, but the other four were handed grade one offences and escape with carryover point penalties.