Sharks veteran Wade Graham has been suspended for four matches, after his attempt to downgrade a grade one reckless high tackle charge at the judiciary was unsuccessful on Tuesday night.
Graham was facing three weeks with an early plea for a high shot on Davvy Moale in the opening round, but will now miss the next month of footy.
Wade Graham unsuccessful at judiciary, banned for four games
Graham was facing a three-match ban with the early plea but will now be suspended for four games after his appeal for a downgrade was unsuccessful at the panel.
The 32-year-old was looking to have a reckless charge downgraded to careless for a massive hit on Moale, but came up short despite employing senior lawyer Nick Ghabar.
WHAT A HIT. 🤯
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) March 4, 2023
How did he hold onto it? 😳
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Jordan Rapana suspended for three matches for shoulder charge
Jordan Rapana has become a victim of his past, with two prior charges catching up to the Raiders winger following his shot on Scott Drinkwater in the first half of the Cowboys' one-point win over Canberra.
That was absolutely brutal! 😳
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) March 4, 2023
How was Jordan Rapana not sent off for this? 🤔
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The Kiwi was hit with a Grade 1 shoulder charge and will now miss three matches.
Three other players were charged from Saturday's fixtures although all of them avoided suspensions.
Briton Nikora was cited for his shoulder charge on Cam Murray, while Kyle Feldt and Braden Hamlin-Uele will be slightly lighter in the pocket.
Earlier in the round, Eliesa Katoa and Adam Elliott were also hit with financial penalties following dangerous contact charges on their competitive debuts with Melbourne and Newcastle respectively.
ROUND ONE JUDICIARY CHARGES
| Player | Charge | Punishment |
| Eliesa Katoa | Dangerous contact - Grade 1 | $1000 fine |
| Adam Elliott | Dangerous contact - Grade 1 | $1000 fine |
| Jordan Rapana | Shoulder charge - Grade 1 | 3 matches |
| Kyle Feldt | Careless high tackle - Grade 1 | $1800 fine |
| Briton Nikora | Shoulder charge - Grade 1 | $3000 fine |
| Braden Hamlin-Uele | Careless high tackle - Grade 1 | $1800 fine |
| Egan Butcher | Reckless high tackle - Grade 1 | $1800 fine |
| Wade Graham | Dangerous contact - Grade 1 | *Plea- Not Guilty |