On Air Now Cameron Kennedy 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Now Playing Phil Collins Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)

Thunder start gets eight-match ban

Misi Taulapapa, Newcastle Thunder's Samoan international winger, has been suspended for eight matches after pleading guilty to a grade F biting offence in the Promotion Final against Oldham at the Vestacare Stadium.

An incident in the 28th minute was placed on report after a complaint to the referee by Oldham's Emmerson Whittel.

A subsequent meeting of the Match Review Panel looked at footage and considered reports from the match officials and from Oldham and concluded that, in their opinion, Whittel suffered a bite to the right forearm during or after a tackle.

Taulapapa wasn't present at the meeting of the Match Review Panel but Thunder's Director of Rugby, Denis Betts, spoke on his behalf by telephone. 

He said Taulapapa had apologised to Whittel after the incident. He was full of remorse, embarrassed and couldn't explain why it happened.

Oldham won 18-14 to clinch promotion to the Betfred Championship in 2020 in a classic final in which the lead changed hands four times before Jimmy Beckett scored the decisive Roughyeds try in the 63rd minute.

Taulapapa scored two of Newcastle's three tries --  the first in the ninth minute and the second in the 56th minute.

More from Sport

  • United View: Reds play out bore draw

    Manchester United played out a goalless draw at Sunderland on Saturday, in their quest to finish third in the Premier League. 

  • City Watch: Blues prepare for another Wembley trip

    With the title race now edging towards a conclusion, every game is feeling like a final, and after Manchester City drew to Everton away from home last week with Arsenal picking up three points, time is running out for slip ups in North London.

  • Fearnley calls time on Tigers career

    Hyde United have announced long-serving midfielder Matthew Fearnley will be departing the club to pursue a new challenge. 

  • Macken set to remain

    Stalybridge Celtic have been handed a huge boost ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 campaign, with manager Jon Macken committing his future to the club. 

Weather

  • Wed

    11°C

  • Thu

    11°C

  • Fri

    12°C

  • Sat

    13°C

  • Sun

    13°C