Former Brisbane, Parramatta and St George Illawarra player Corey Norman will face an eight-week Super League sideline after attempting to put his hand between an opponent’s legs during a tackle.
Two decades after John Hopoate was handed a 12-match ban for actions an NRL commissioner at the time described as “disgusting and violent”. [and] offensive’, Toulouse midfielder Norman has been hit with the most severe charge of grade F for what is considered ‘other contrary behaviour’.
Corey Norman during Toulouse’s Super League defeat to Warrington. Credit: Getty Images
An eight-match ban is the minimum if he pleads guilty to the charge, with no limit at the top end of the punishment scale.
Norman’s side are fighting to avoid relegation from Super League and the incident, involving Warrington’s Oliver Holmes, took place during last Thursday’s 32-18 defeat by Wolves.
Toulouse have just four more games to escape relegation and any longer ban would last into next season, when the club could be in the second-tier Championship.
Castleford’s Kenny Edwards was banned for 10 games last year for a similar act against former Bulldogs NRL enforcer Sam Kasiano.
Stream NRL Premiership 2022 live and free 9 Now.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Subscribe to our Sports newsletter.