Dragons winger Mikaele Ravalawa has copped a four-match ban for verbally abusing an official in St. George-Illawarra’s NSW Cup loss last Friday night.
The club revealed Ravalawa’s punishment in a post to social media site X.
The 26-year-old was referred straight to the judiciary for the incident.
Ravalawa, who has not played in the club’s NRL side for a fortnight now, is alleged to have said “what the f***, c***” to the touch judge, according to the Australian Associated Press.
It came after a dramatic ending to Parramatta’s 18-14 win over the Dragons on Friday night, which saw Matt Doorey score in the 77th minute to hand the Eels the victory.
Morgan Harper appeared to knock the ball on in the process of contesting the bomb, with the ball then grounded by Doorey who celebrated the try.
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“It’s been knocked forward by Parramatta, I believe,” the NSW Rugby League’s play-by-play commentator said.
“Oh, he’s saying it’s been knocked back and awarded the try. Surely that is a knock-on against Parramatta.”
Ravalawa was seen protesting that the ball was knocked on but the referee pointed to the spot, with the Dragons winger reported to have then gone over and sprayed the touch judge.
A remorseful Ravalawa said he “apologised after the game” and added his actions were “not professional”, according to AAP.
It is the last thing Ravalawa needs after being dropped by Shane Flanagan a fortnight ago, with the Dragons coach making it clear the veteran winger had not been up to standard.
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“He’s been troubled with a knee and a foot injury over the last couple of months and I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Mika,” Flanagan said at the time.
“The group has been told numerous times that I’ll give the senior players a bit of leeway, but I’ve got to put the best team out there.”
Flanagan also shot down any suggestion Ravalawa could have instead been moved to his preferred right wing, adding “it is not the side that Mika is playing on, it’s the lack of form at the moment”.
Source Agencies
