Panthers hooker Api Koroisau failed in his bid to have a one-match ban overturned at the NRL judiciary despite an "impressive' defence from coach Ivan Cleary.
Cleary represented Koroisau on Tuesday night instead of a barrister in a unique attempt to help the No.9 beat a contrary conduct charge stemming from last weekend's win over the Roosters.
Cleary impressed in his endeavour to clear Koroisau for his involvement in a scuffle with Roosters enforcer Jared Waera-Hargreaves.
But despite his efforts, it wasn't enough to convince the three-man panel of Ben Creagh, Bob Lindner and Dallas Johnson to acquit.
He will now miss Friday night's clash with the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium.
https://twitter.com/mrchrisnico/status/1425042366138777600
Koroisau also stressed to the panel that there was no malice in his action, rather, he "just wanted to let him (Waera-Hargreaves) know that what he was doing – trying to pick on a 19-year-old – wasn't on."
Earlier, Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak also failed to beat a contrary conduct charge for kneeing Cronulla's Will Chambers in the head during a play-the-ball.
The one-game ban will mean Watene-Zelezniak will miss the chance to celebrate his 150th NRL game against his old club, the Bulldogs.
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