SYDNEY – Cronulla forwards Andrew and David Fifita have been banned from Penrith junior rugby league matches for 12 months after abusing match officials.
The brothers are also set to face a significant ban from the NRL over the incident.
Former Kangaroo Andrew Fifita is alleged to have said “I’ll smash you” to a referee over an on-field issue involving his brother David in the Penrith junior league in Glenwood on Saturday.
The alleged incident is the subject of an investigation by Sharks management, with the NRL asserting they would take a zero tolerance approach towards abuse of referees by first grade players.
Andrew Fifita was said to be upset after the referee didn’t stop the game for an injured player.
The Fifita twins have five days to decide if they will appeal the ban.
Andrew Fifita played in the Sharks’ upset win over Canterbury at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday, after news of the allegations broke.
Former leading referee Bill Harrigan has called for the duo to be banned for a year from the NRL, if the allegations are proven.
Harrigan, who refereed 10 grand finals, 21 State of Origin fixtures and 22 Test matches, said the Fifita brothers needed to be made an example of, if they were found guilty.
