Former Kiwi Frank-Paul Nuuausala cops one game ban for punch

  • 27/07/2016
Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Photosport)
Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Photosport)

Wigan's new signing Frank-Paul Nuuausala has been handed a one-match ban which threatens to rule him out of Friday's Challenge Cup semi-final.

The former Kiwis international was sin-binned for punching Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook during Wigan's 23-4 home Super League loss to St Helens last Friday and subsequently charged by the Rugby Football League's match-review panel with a grade A offence.

Nuuausala, who was playing only his second game for his new club, denied the charge when he appeared before an RFL disciplinary tribunal in Leeds on Tuesday evening but was found guilty.

The suspension will rule Nuuausala, 29, out of the clash with Hull at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium, although it would be no surprise if Wigan opted to contest the verdict.

Any appeal would be heard by a separate panel on Wednesday.

Nuuausala, who played 15 Tests and whose NRL career spanned 184 games for the Roosters and Raiders, was also fined £300.

PA