Cowboys star Valentine Holmes has had his three-match suspension upgraded to four matches after failing in his bid to have his charge downgraded at the judiciary on Tuesday night.
Holmes was initially offered a three-match ban for a grade two careless high tackle on Jayden Campbell in the 20th minute of the Cowboys' 22-13 loss to the Titans.
But after unsuccessfully challenging the charge, Holmes will now miss the remainder of the regular season in a huge blow to North Queensland's finals hopes.
Holmes tried to have his punishment downgraded to a fine but the panel of Paul Simpkins and Tony Puletua unanimously determined the level of force used by Holmes was moderate – upholding the the grade two charge.
In a bizarre judiciary hearing, chairman Justice Geoffrey Bellew reprimanded Holmes' legal representative Bill O'Toole several times for not following the proper judicial process.
O'Toole attempted to have a memo sent out to clubs last week by NRL head of football Graham Annesley removed from evidence, claiming Holmes had not seen the announcement titled 'Player safety update high tackles and shoulder charges' until Tuesday.
In round 21, Holmes was fined $1800 for a careless high tackle on Mitchell Moses. As the hit on Campbell was his third and subsequent offence, the match review committee handed down a higher penalty.
The centre will be unable to play for the Cowboys again in 2023 unless they advance to the finals.
MORE TO COME.
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