In a last-ditch effort to secure his spot in the championship game, star player Nelson Asofa-Solomona will make a rushed trip to Sydney to face an expedited disciplinary hearing on Monday evening. His team is seeking a reduction in his penalty, which currently stands at a four-game suspension, for a high tackle that left an opponent unconscious during a recent match.
Asofa-Solomona has accepted responsibility for the infraction but is pushing for a significant reduction in his punishment, arguing that he should only receive a fine of $3,000. His legal team, led by experienced attorney Nick Ghabar, will present his case to the disciplinary panel on Monday night.
The urgency of the situation has prompted the team to request an earlier hearing, which is usually held on Tuesday evenings. Given the significance of Asofa-Solomona’s case, he will travel to Sydney in person, rather than appearing via video link, before returning home.
The team is hoping to replicate its past success in similar situations, such as when one of its players avoided a ban for a shoulder charge in a previous championship week. However, Asofa-Solomona’s case appears more challenging, as no player this season has successfully downgraded a grade-three charge to a grade-one offence.
If Asofa-Solomona’s appeal is unsuccessful, he will face a five-game suspension, which would have significant implications for his team’s chances in the championship game. His absence would leave a significant gap in the team’s forward pack, which is already at a disadvantage compared to its opponent.
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