The centre Steve Matai has accepted a one match ban after being charged with a careless high tackle in the Kiwis rugby league World Cup loss to Australia.
Matai was charged after being put on report for his 13th minute hit on Kangaroos lock Paul Gallen and will now miss Saturday night's must-win game against Papua New Guinea on the Gold Coast.
The rules governing World Cup charges differ slightly from those used in the NRL with no points grading given and the match review committee recommending the length of ban instead.
The committee, comprising commissioner Greg McCallum, Ron Massey and former Wests Tigers forward Mark O'Neill, recommended a one match ban.
Matai suffered thumb and shoulder injuries in Sunday night's 30-6 loss but it is believed he would have been fit to play the Kumuls if he hadn't been suspended.
