Veteran Canberra winger Jordan Rapana will miss his side’s trip to Brisbane after accepting a ban for kicking Sydney Roosters interchange forward Egan Butcher during the Raiders’ 22-16 win.
It’s another blow for a Raiders’ backline already missing fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and centre Jarrod Croker ahead of an important clash with the Broncos.
It’s a big loss for the Raiders with the Broncos boasting two of the best wingers in the NRL this season in youngster Selwyn Cobbo and veteran Corey Oates. Cobbo will have to back up from his State of Origin debut on Wednesday night, 8 June.
Rapana accepted the one-match ban he was offered for lashing out at Butcher’s face with his boot while he was being held in a tackle by three defenders.
Butcher was left bleeding after the incident.
Rapana could have challenged the grade two dangerous contact charge, but risked missing an extra week should he have been found guilty.
Youngster James Schiller could replace him having started two games earlier this season on the wing and was on the bench last week, while Semi Valemei has scored four tries in two weeks after being sent back to NSW Cup, although has played primarily at centre in 2022.
Teammate Zac Woolford also took an early plea, although he won’t miss time and instead pay a $1500 fine for a grade one crusher tackle.