NRL Judiciary prelim finals: Storm's Nelson Asofa-Solomona learns grand final fate

Joshua Mayne

Jed Wells

NRL Judiciary prelim finals: Storm's Nelson Asofa-Solomona learns grand final fate image

Nelson Asofa-Solomona found himself in the sin bin less than a minute into the preliminary final between the Storm and Roosters.

The Melbourne enforcer collected Lindsay Collins high in the opening tackle at AAMI Park, before being sent to the sheds by referee Grant Atkins.

Meanwhile, Cronulla's Toby Rudolph was also hit with a ban as his side's season came to an end against the Panthers.

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Take a look at all the NRL Judiciary charges from the prelim finals below:

Nelson Asofa-Solomona to miss grand final

It was apparent from the moment of the hit that Asofa-Solomona's grand final status would be in jeopardy, and that was confirmed Saturday morning when it was announced that the prop would be banned for at least four games.

His only chance to play in the final game of the year was to successfully downgrade the charge at the NRL Judiciary, however he failed in this pursuit on Monday night. 

After being found guilty, the prop saw his suspension increased to five matches, which will him miss the Pacific Championships as well as the grand final. 

Toby Rudolph hit with one-match ban

Cronulla's season was ended by the all-conquering Panthers, who comfortably won 26-6 at Accor Stadium.

It wasn't without controversy, as Ivan Cleary took aim at the officials for a controversial no try decision, and there were other moments that caught the eyes of fans and pundits in the first half.

One was a trip by Toby Rudolph on Isaah Yeo, with the Sharks forward not sent to the sin bin.

He didn't escape punishment, as he was put on report and handed a one-match ban after a dangerous contact charge.

He will serve the ban next season; teammate Siosifa Talakai escaped suspension after a late shot on Jarome Luai, and he also avoided serving time in the bin.

Full Judiciary charge list: Preliminary finals

PlayerChargeOpponentEarly pleaGuilty at panel
Nelson Asofa-SolomonaHigh Tackle - Careless (Grade 3)Lindsay Collins4 matches5 matches
Victor RadleyDangerous Contact (Grade 1)Nelson Asofa-Solomona$3,0002 matches
Eliesa KatoaDangerous Contact (Grade 1)Dominic Young$3,0002 matches
Toby RudolphDangerous Contact - Tripping (Grade 2)Isaah Yeo1 match2 matches
Siosifa TalakaiDangerous Contact (Grade 1)Jarome Luai$1,800$2,500

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Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again. 

 

Jed Wells

Jed Wells Photo

Jed is a writer and social media producer, who has a keen interest in the intersection of sports and popular culture, especially basketball.