A disappointing night for South Sydney Rabbitohs ended on an even worse note after winger Taane Milne was sent off for a high tackle on Spencer Leniu.
After giving up a 12-0 lead in their preliminary final against Penrith Panthers, the Rabbitohs were barely hanging on in the final quarter of the game as they went on to lose 32-12.
Panthers forward Spencer Leniu broke through South Sydney's line with 17 minutes remaining with Milne coming in with a high swinging arm that struck Leniu flush on the face.
The incident didn't go unnoticed with Milne sent off as Penrith players fumed on the sidelines as he came off the field.
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The NRL judiciary wasn't happy either, with Milne set to be suspended for six games with an early guilty plea for a reckless high tackle - his third offence this season. If he unsuccessfully challenges the ruling, he'll be banned for seven matches.
Panthers captain Isaah Yeo said after the match that it takes a lot to keep Leniu down and that Milne had every chance to adjust his contact.
“He’s not going to stay down. He’s usually chipping blokes if they stay down. He’s obviously not going to stay down for no reason. It copped him flush," Yeo said.
“I feel like he got warned last game Taane too. It’s happened a couple of times now. He had every chance to drop his arm or make contact somewhere else but he flushed him in the head.”
🤯 SENT OFF! 🤯
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) September 24, 2022
Taane Milne has been given his marching orders after a HUGE high shot! 😱#NRLPanthersSouths #NRL pic.twitter.com/hozsx7pZPG
Penrith duo Kikau Viliame and Staines Charlie were both also placed on report during the game for shoulder charges but are set to avoid being suspended for the grand final.
As Kikau's second offence, he'll just be fined $3000 with an early guilty plea but would be banned for two matches if he is found guilty at a panel.
Charlie will be fined $1500 with an early guilty plea which would be bumped up to $2000 if he unsuccessfully challenges it.
The Panthers are looking to become NRL premiers for a second straight year and will face Parramatta Eels in the grand final on October 2.
