Mulitalo faces one-game ban after World Cup shoulder charge
An early plea would rule the New Zealand winger out of the semi-final in Newcastle but leave him eligible for a potential final.
New Zealand winger Ronaldo Mulitalo will miss his side’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final if he enters an early plea over a shoulder charge during the 78-0 victory against Fiji on the Gold Coast.
The judiciary classified the incident involving Ronald Philitoga as careless and imposed a grade-two charge. The one-game suspension available with an early plea would allow Mulitalo to play in the final if New Zealand advance.
Mulitalo was dismissed in the 52nd minute after the tackle sparked a confrontation between players from both teams. Fiji halfback Brandon Wakeham was also sent off after punching Mulitalo in the head during the melee.
New Zealand will meet either Tonga or Samoa in Newcastle for a place in the final. Mulitalo has scored three tries in the tournament. Wakeham also received a one-game suspension, but Fiji’s defeat ended their World Cup campaign.
