Jonathan Wright has become the latest in a growing list of Cronulla Sharks to earn a season-ending suspension in a matter of days, accepting a three-match ban for a dangerous throw.
The centre opted not to challenge the charge against his reckless throw tackle on Canberra’s Jarrod Croker, avoiding a possible five-match suspension for the 62nd minute hit in Sunday’s ‘Spoonbowl’ affair.
Wright now joins the ASADA sanctioned Paul Gallen, Anthony Tupou, Wade Graham and Nathan Gardner on the sidelines for the Sharks’ remaining two games against the Cowboys and Wests Tigers as the club looks to avoid falling to its first ever wooden spoon finish.
The depleted Sharks are now dealing with a growing list of outs, including season losses Tinirau Arona (back/hamstring), Bryce Gibbs (foot), Andrew Fifita (arm), Luke Lewis (knee/hamstring), Mark Mexico (suspension), Sam Tagataese (suspension), Siosaia Vave (pec), David Fifita (foot), Eric Grothe Jnr (back), Jacob Gagan (hamstring) and the retired John Morris and Beau Ryan.
Veteran Manly prop Jason King also took an early plea for his careless tackle on Parramatta’s Tepai Moeroa, but is still holding out hope to have his one-match ban overturned.
The 33-year-old will dispute the level two grading of his hit in front of the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night and could face Penrith at Brookvale Oval on Sunday if cleared.
Penrith’s Jeremy Latimore has until tomorrow to enter his plea for a crusher tackle on the Storm’s Bryan Norrie in Monday’s loss to Melbourne.
Teammate Adam Docker will escape a sanction with an early plea for his high tackle to Tim Glasby.
Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
