North Queensland Cowboys lock Jason Taumalolo could miss up to four matches after being charged with dangerous contact following Friday's night preliminary final.
The 29-year-old enforcer was sin-binned in the 15th minute of the match for a hit on Parramatta Eels forward Isaiah Papali'i.
Taumalolo's shoulder made contact with Papali'i's head, but the incident was not deemed to be a shoulder charge by the NRL judiciary.
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Hit with a grade two dangerous contact charge, the 2016 Dally M Medal winner will spend three matches on the sideline with an early guilty plea.
If Taumalolo opts to contest the suspension and is unsuccessful at the panel, he will be banned for four games.
The penalty also took into account his two previous judiciary charges from this season.
With the Cowboys bowing out after losing a thrilling preliminary final to the Eels, Taumalolo is set to serve his suspension with Tonga at the World Cup later this year.
Taumalolo given ✋🤚 in the bin! 😳
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) September 23, 2022
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In other judiciary news, Junior Paulo was not charged for a throw tackle on Peta Hiku.
The Eels prop will therefore be able to play in the grand final next Sunday.
