Andrew Fifita will miss Mate Ma'a Tonga's match against New Zealand Kiwi this Saturday after being suspended for three games by the NRL judiciary.
The Cronulla front‑rower was unsuccessful in his bid to have his grade two dangerous contact charge downgraded, ruling him out of Saturday's Oceania Cup Test as well as the Sharks' next two matches against the Bulldogs and Broncos.
The NRL judiciary panel deemed there was sufficient evidence of foul play against Fifita in his tackle attempt on Canberra's Ryan Sutton on Thursday night's defeat by the Raiders.
Manly Sea Eagles prop Addin Fonua‑Blake is set to replace Fifita with South Sydney prop Junior Tatola likely to be promoted to the interchange bench.
Tonga will take on New Zealand at 5.40pm this Saturday.
Tonga matchday squad:
1. Will Hopoate, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. David Fusitu'a, 6. John Asiata, 7. Tuimoala Lolohea, 8. Andrew Fifita*, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 11. Tevita Pangai Junior, 12. Manu Ma'u, 13. Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14. Manase Fainu, 15. Addin Fonua‑Blake, 16. Peni Terepo, 17. Sitili Tupouniua. Reserves: 18. Sione Katoa, 19. Tevita Tatola.
*Andrew Fifita suspended for three games.
New Zealand matchday squad:
1. Roger Tuivasa‑Sheck, 2. Ken Maumalo, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Dallin Watene‑Zelezniak, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Benji Marshall, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Jared Waerea‑Hargreaves, 11. Kenneath Bromwich, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Isaac Liu. Interchange: 14. Jahrome Hughes, 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Nelson Asofa‑Solomona, 17. James Fisher‑Harris. Reserves: 18. Zane Tetevano, 19. Kieran Foran.
RNZ
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