The Panthers secured an 28-18 victory against the Warriors in Auckland, but the win has been marred by a potential suspension for Scott Sorensen. Sorensen faces a two-match ban following a hip-drop tackle on Warriors player Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who limped off the field and did not return. The incident occurred late in the first half, with Sorensen later put on report for the tackle as the teams returned from the break.
Following the match, he received a grade two dangerous contact charge, which could extend his absence to three weeks if he contests the charge at the judiciary and is unsuccessful. Additionally, Sorensen was reported again later in the match for a high tackle on Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, which resulted in a grade one careless high tackle charge and an $1800 fine. Warriors coach Andrew Webster lamented Watene-Zelezniak’s likely syndesmosis injury, estimating he could be sidelined for an extended period.
In other disciplinary matters, Nicoll-Klokstad was fined $1000 for a high shot on Thomas Jenkins, while in a separate match, Bunnies player Lachlan Hubner was penalised for an eye gouge on Trent Loiero. The incident occurred late in the Bunnies’ narrow 25-24 defeat at Accor Stadium. Hubner was seen making contact with Loiero’s face as he was caught in a tackle, an action missed by on-field officials but later scrutinised by the Match Review Committee. He received a grade one contrary conduct charge and was fined $1800.
Meanwhile, James Schiller avoided suspension after a high tackle on Oryn Keeley during the Knights-Dolphins clash, instead receiving a grade one careless high tackle charge and a $3000 fine. The penalties illustrate the increasing scrutiny on player conduct as the NRL continues to enforce safety measures on the field.