Reds' lock gets three week ban

Tui received a yellow card by the referee for his lifting tackle which speared Rebels scrumhalf Will Genia head-first into the ground in the first half of the game.

The lock pleaded guilty to the charges and will only return to action on March 17, SANZAAR's judiciary committee said.

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including evidence from the player and submissions from his legal representative, the Judicial Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.13.

"With respect to sanction, the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of six weeks due to an absence of intention and other contributing factors," panel chairman Michael Heron said.

"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's excellent disciplinary record and his guilty plea at the earliest possible opportunity, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to three weeks,"

"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including the Saturday 17 March 2018,"

This is not good news for coach Brad Thorn, who is already sitting without the services of captain Scott Higginbotham for three weeks.