NRL 2021: NZ Warriors Tohu Harris, Josh Curran escape suspension, Dylan Brown cops three-week ban

  • 10/05/2021

NZ Warriors forwards Tohu Harris and Josh Curran have both escaped sanction for incidents during the side's 38-32 loss to Manly Sea Eagles.

Harris was placed on report for a crusher tackle on Toafoafoa Sipley in the 26th minute, as was Curran for his high tackle on prop Sean Keppie in the 63rd minute.

Neither player was included in NRL head of football Graham Annesley's weekly judicial wrap, meaning they're uncharged and free to play against high-flying Parramatta Eels during the annual 'Magic Round' at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

But the Eels will be without half Dylan Brown and centre Marata Niukore - both Auckland born - for their clash, after their involvement in a nasty incident during the win over the Roosters.

Brown was hit with a grade-three dangerous contact charge, after sliding his knees into Roosters half Drew Hutchison, who was hospitalised with suspected fractured ribs and punctured lung. 

He accepted a three-week ban, rather than risk a four-match suspension, if he unsuccessfully challenged the charge.

Niukore pleaded guilty to a grade-two careless high tackle on James Tedesco, which occurred in the same movement as Brown's indiscretion.

Brown says he's contacted Hutchison to express his remorse.

"No player likes to see anyone injured," Brown says. "Yesterday, I contacted Drew to check up on him and apologise.

"I also let him know that it was an accident and never my intention for him to get hurt."

Melbourne Storm's star Kiwi hooker Brandon Smith will also miss this weekend's action, submitting an early guilty plea for his high shot on South Sydney opposite Damien Cook to accept a one-game ban.

Join us at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the NRL clash between NZ Warriors and Parramatta Eels