Moses Leota of the Penrith Panthers may face suspension following his involvement in a controversial tackle during the team’s narrow 18-14 victory over the Wests Tigers on Sunday. The front-rower was reported for executing a crusher tackle on Sunia Turuva, a former teammate, in the 26th minute at CommBank Stadium.
In that incident, Leota’s fellow front-rower, Lindsay Smith, tackled Turuva at the legs, while Leota came in from above, intensifying the impact. Recent crackdowns by the NRL on crusher tackles have heightened the stakes, with players like Jacob Preston from Canterbury receiving a four-match suspension after contesting and losing his charge at the judiciary, and Penrith’s Liam Henry facing a two-game ban.
The specifics of Leota’s tackle included significant pressure applied to Turuva’s neck, where he lifted and forcefully drove him into the ground. If found guilty, Leota’s potential suspension would be a considerable setback for the Panthers, who currently sit 15th on the ladder and are at risk of missing out on the finals altogether.
The situation continues to unfold, with further updates expected regarding Leota’s case and its implications for both him and the team as they navigate a challenging season.