Angry NRL fans are calling for a major change to the judiciary system after David Fifita and Latu Fainu copped an extra game on their suspensions on Tuesday night. Wests Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi successfully got his one-game ban downgraded to a $1000 fine.
But the news wasn’t as good for Tigers teammate Fainu and South Sydney forward Fifita. Fainu and Fifita were both unsuccessful, meaning their bans have been increased to three games (Fainu) and two games (Fifita).
David Fifita’s ban has been increased to two games for kicking Hudson Young in the head. Image: Getty/Fox League
Under the current NRL system, players cop an extra week on their bans if they roll the dice at the judiciary and fail. Fainu was originally banned two games for his dangerous tackle on Leo Thompson, while Fifita initially copped a week for kicking Hudson Young in the head.
The two-game ban for Fifita is a disaster for Souths after Cameron Murray and Tallis Duncan were ruled out for around three weeks on Tuesday with calf and hamstring injuries. To make matters worse, Souths revealed a worrying new prognosis on Latrell Mitchell that means there’s a chance he might not play again this season.
Calls for change to ‘unfair’ judiciary system
On social media, fans were left livid at the increased suspensions and questioned why teams cop an extra punishment for trying to challenge. One person wrote: “The judiciary is a joke. If you challenge your case you get more time off. People pay good money these days for memberships for their teams and want to see their best players on the field.”
Leo Thompson flipped over awkwardly after the hit from Latu Fainu. Image: Fox League
Speaking last year, Melbourne Storm hooker Harry Grant and CEO Justin Rodski labelled the system “unfair” and called for the NRL to introduce a monetary sanction instead of an increased ban. It came after the Storm opted not to challenge a ban for Grant out of fear of him missing a finals game.
“Just because you challenge or disagree doesn’t mean the charge is any worse,” Grant told AAP. “Clubs won’t do it every week because they will lose a lot of money. But when it comes to games they want their players playing, that’s what it is there for.”
Rodski said: “It’s not a fair reflection of natural justice. The problem with the system now is surely the player should be able to challenge to have the charge downgraded and not risk such a heavy penalty. For any player at any club, to miss a final off the back of challenging that downgrade, it’s not worth it.”
The extra ban is seen as a way the NRL tries to deter teams from challenging because of the cost of running a judicuary hearing. Former NRL boss Andrew Abdo flagged the possibility of changing the system last year, but it hasn’t happened and he’s since left the role.