New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is facing a one-match suspension ahead of the Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga following his dismissal against Fiji.
The Kiwis beat Fiji 78–0 on the Gold Coast on Saturday 31 October, but the match was overshadowed by a high tackle on Fiji winger Ronald Philitoga in the 52nd minute. Philitoga could not return to the field, and Mulitalo was sent off.
The match review committee subsequently charged Mulitalo with a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle offence. An early guilty plea would mean a one-match suspension, while an unsuccessful challenge could extend the penalty to two matches.
The official judiciary update available on 1 November still listed his plea as unconfirmed. That means the one-match penalty should not be described as a finalised accepted plea until confirmation is published.
Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham was also charged with Grade 2 Striking after reacting to the tackle. His plea was likewise not confirmed in the official update.
New Zealand face Tonga in Newcastle on Saturday 7 November, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
The Kiwis must prepare for a possible change on the wing as they look to contain an unbeaten Tonga side.
