Parramatta Eels forward Kelma Tuilagi has been hit with a major suspension following a dangerous crusher tackle on Jack De Belin during their defeat to the Dragons on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the final moments of the match when De Belin twisted into a tackle and was brought down by Tuilagi, whose full body weight landed on the Dragons forward’s shoulders.
De Belin quickly got back to his feet as tempers flared at WIN Stadium. Tuilagi was penalised and placed on report.
Kyle Flanagan then converted the penalty, sealing a 34-20 victory for the Dragons.
On Sunday, the Match Review Committee charged Tuilagi with a grade two crusher offence, offering a three-game ban. That suspension could extend to four matches if he contests it and is unsuccessful.
Interestingly, the pair might line up together next season if De Belin joins the Eels, though Tuilagi is yet to secure a contract beyond 2025.
Tuilagi wasn’t the only Eels player cited after the match — prop Jack Williams was handed a $1,000 fine for a careless high tackle on Emre Guler in the opening half.
Tuilagi will now join teammates Ryley Smith and Will Penisini on the sidelines, both of whom are serving suspensions for a dangerous throw. The Eels are also without several injured players including Bailey Simonsson, Sam Tuivaiti, Luca Moretti, and Mitchell Moses.
Parramatta’s next match is in two weeks when they host the Penrith Panthers at
CommBank Stadium.
