Melbourne Storm have been dealt a blow to their slim finals hopes with star five-eighth Cameron Munster handed a suspension by the NRL’s match review committee.
Munster was given a one-game ban if he takes an early plea after committing dangerous contact on Manly prop Taniela Paseka in the first half of Saturday’s 42-20 victory over the Sea Eagles.
If the 31-year-old decides to challenge the decision, which also left Paseka with a knee injury, he runs the risk of missing two games if found guilty.
The ban is another blow for Munster, who had made an earlier-than-expected return from knee surgery in Perth.
The five-eighth’s loss is another setback to Melbourne’s top-eight hopes as they are already missing halfback Jahrome Hughes (hamstring), wingers Will Warbrick (Achilles) and Xavier Coates (Achilles).
The Storm have a bye next round, but will face ladder-leaders Penrith, premiers Brisbane and top-four contenders Cronulla in their final three games. Barring a mathematical miracle though, they will miss out on finals for the first time since 2010.
Parramatta centre Brian Kelly, meantime, avoided even a fine after he was sent to the sin bin for a costly professional foul in the opening minutes of their 28-24 loss to South Sydney.
