Two stars facing lengthy bans for ugly hits

Kyle Feldt, Briton Nikora, and Braden Hamlin-Uele can all accept fines after being charged from Saturday’s action.

Rapana was initially only penalised for the hit, which came in the 27th minute of Canberra’s one-point loss to the Cowboys in Townsville, as Drinkwater returned a kick.

Rapana made little attempt to wrap his arms in the tackle, which smashed Drinkwater into the turf. He then appeared to come down hard on the ball-carrier while he was on the ground.

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In commentary for Fox Sports, Andrew Voss described the hit as “brutal”, while Raiders great Mal Meninga admitted “he could be in a bit of trouble”.

Graham was sent to the bin for his 69th minute hit on Moale in the Sharks’ 27-18 loss at home to South Sydney.

Play was initially allowed to continue. Following a Rabbitohs try a few mintutes later, Graham was called out of the Sharks huddle by referee Todd Smith, who said the fact Graham left the ground and made contact with Moale’s head constituted a dangerous tackle.

The Sharks managed to score while a man down, but couldn’t recover the deficit.

Rapana and Graham can accept three-game bans, or risk missing four games if they head to the judiciary on Tuesday night to fight the charges.

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