MANLY PROP ALOIAI FACING ONE-MATCH BAN FOR LATE CHARGE ON WARRIORS STAR JOHNSON

Manly Sea Eagles prop Josh Aloiai faces a one-week suspension for the late challenge on NZ Warriors star Shaun Johnson that handed the home side a rare 22-22 'Golden Point' draw at Go Media Stadium.

As the final seconds of regulation time ran down, the Warriors trailled by two points, but Johnson attempted a long-range two-point field goal to force overtime. His kick was wayward, but Aloiai's late challenge was penalised and Johnson slotted the game-tying penalty from in front of the posts.

Neither side managed to score in added time, leaving them with a competition point each for the draw.

With protection of kickers paramount right now, Aloiai was placed on report and will likely accept a one-week stand-down. If he fights the charge unsuccessfully, his penalty would double.

Seven days earlier, Warriors hooker Freddy Lussick made a similar challenge on South Sydney half Lachlan Ilias, who suffered a broken leg in the final seconds of their NSW Cup reserve-grade encounter. Lussick was suspended four weeks.

History seemed to have repeated, as Johnson lay on the ground clutching his shin, while referee Chris Butler consulted the bunker.

"I think it was definitely the right call," said Warriors coach Andrew Webster of Aloiai's penalty. "If you give yourselves enough chance, then luck might go your way.

"In the end, he obviously attacked Shaun's legs - we got the decision and got the kick right in front. Fortunate for us and unfortunate for them."  

Join Newshub at 8pm Friday for live updates of the Warriors v Dragons NRL clash

2024-04-14T03:39:06Z dg43tfdfdgfd