Payten set to cop three-match ban - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Payten set to cop three-match ban

11/08/2008 08:27:29 PM Comments (0)

The prospect of a make-or-break final round clash with Gold Coast looks set to tempt Wests Tigers into accepting a three-week NRL ban for veteran backrower Todd Payten.

Payten was charged with a grade two dangerous throw for his late lifting tackle on St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper, a charge that threatens to rule the Tigers forward out for the remainder of the regular season.

An unsuccessful night at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night would see Payten ruled out for four games, but he would miss only three matches with an early plea.

Tigers officials said they would wait until to make a final decision, but they stand little hope of beating the charge given Payten was the only player involved in the incident.

And given the Tigers need at least two wins from their last four matches to secure a finals berth, it appears the Tigers will err on the side of caution to ensure Payten is available for the round 26 meeting with the Titans.

Cooper said he held no grudges towards Payten over the hit, despite the ugly nature of the incident.

"He's a good fella and it was out of character," Cooper told reporters.

"He apologised so I'll take that."

The Dragons meanwhile are certain to accept the one match ban on offer to secondrower Lagi Setu following a high tackle in the same match.

Setu was judged to have made a grade four careless high tackle in swinging an arm that floored Tigers forward Corey Payne, the hit sparking a minor brawl.

Bulldogs halfback Daniel Holdsworth and Melbourne winger Anthony Quinn can both escape suspension with early guilty pleas.

Holdsworth was charged with making dangerous contact with a kicker in his side's loss to North Queensland on Saturday night while Quinn copped a grade one dangerous throw charge.

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