There ll be one less star lighting up Magic Round with spellbinding Titans second-rower David Fifita suspended for two games after failing at the judiciary on Tuesday night.
The barnstorming forward, who tuned into the hearing by video and was represented by Titans high performance senior advisor Mal Meninga, tried to have a grade-two careless high tackle charge downgraded so he could face the undefeated Panthers on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.
But after just 20 minutes of deliberation the judiciary panel - Ben Creagh, Sean Garlick and Bob Lindner - decided that Fifita s shot on Adam Doueihi late in Saturday s 36-28 win over the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium warranted its initial grading.
NRL head of football Graham Annesley has issued a message to the entire audience - from players, coaches, fans and the media - to reset their opinions around head and neck contact in the game.
Annesley spoke at his weekly media briefing for more than an hour on Monday afternoon, defending the latest criticism around the NRL s judiciary system and delivering figures that indicate charges and suspensions for head/neck contact were on the rise.
A further four players were charged by the match review committee over the weekend for careless high tackles, while Sharks forward Siosifa Talakai took the early guilty plea for a shoulder charge and will miss the next four matches.
Press refresh for regular updates during the night.
10.30pm: Ghabar wraps up his submission and Geoff Bellew is now instructing the panel.
10.20pm: Mitchell’s lawyer Nick Ghabar urges the panel to consider the “unusual circumstances” in which the offence occurred.
While Friend “had time” and no immediate need to make the tackle on Clune in the comparable example, Ghabar says Mitchell was forced into a split-second decision because of “the imminent possibility of a try being scored”.
He argues that Mitchell, in fact, attempted to look out for Nofoaluma by turning his body and trying to pull out of contact.
Today in acquisitions: Flexiti, Athena Software, Vanrx Pharmasystems
This week, three Canadian startups and organizations have been involved in acquisition deals, including Flexiti, Athena Software, and Vanrx Pharmasystems. Here’s the latest on Canada’s movers and shakers.
Flexiti to be acquired for $155 million CAD
Toronto-based Flexiti Financial is set to be acquired by CURO, a United States-based firm that provides credit to non-prime consumers. The purchase price is expected to total up to $155 million CAD.
A spokesperson from Flexiti told BetaKit the deal is expected to close in four to six weeks.
Flexiti’s offering is currently accepted at nearly 6,000 locations and e-commerce sites across Canada.