Queensland strike forward David Fifita will miss next Wednesday night's final State of Origin clash with NSW after being found guilty of a late tackle on Canberra halfback Sam Williams.
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Appearing from Maroons camp on the Gold Coast via a video link on Tuesday night, Fifita and Titans general manager of football Anthony Laffranchi were unable to convince the NRL judiciary panel his contact wasn't dangerous.
His absence from Origin III is a major blow to Queensland's hopes of avoiding their first series whitewash in 21 years.
NRL prosecutor Peter McGrath contended that given Williams had passed the ball and was "relaxed", he felt entitled not to be hit with such force by Fifita.
McGrath said the fact Williams wasn't braced for impact only heightened the risk of injury.
The panel of former representative stars Ben Creagh, Bob Lindner and Tony Puletua took little time to agree.
Initially sin-binned for the offence, now Fifita is suspended as the Maroons face the prospect of the most one-sided and humiliating series defeats in Origin's 39-year history.
Queensland coach Paul Green is likely to recall North Queensland prop Francis Molo to replace Fifita.
In the first hearing of the night, Sydney Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was unsuccessful in challenging a contrary conduct charge.
Waerea-Hargreaves was fined $2550 after failing to convince the judiciary panel that he was trying to "de-escalate" a melee in last Thursday's 46-0 loss to Melbourne and trying to protect teammate Angus Crichton.
The New Zealand international claimed he only entered the fray when he saw Storm second-rower Felise Kaufusi make a beeline for Crichton and knew the pair had "previous history".
But judiciary chairman Geoff Bellew reminded the panel that having good intentions was not a defence for escalating a situation.
The panel needed only seven minutes to find Waerea-Hargreaves guilty and slap the prop with a hefty fine.
But he is still free to tackle Canterbury on Saturday at Bankwest Stadium.
Australian Associated Press
