League: Solomona suspended for one match

Kiwis rugby league second rower David Solomona has been suspended for one match after being found guilty of a dangerous tackle on Great Britain prop Stuart Fielden.


A Tri-Nations disciplinary panel in London today suspended Solomona for one match and fined him £500 ($1281).


Solomona will miss the tourists' match against England in Warrington on Sunday morning (NZ time) but will be available to face Great Britain in the Kiwis' next Tri-Nations test in Huddersfield on November 13.


Kiwis coach Brian McClennan described the ruling handed down by a three-man disciplinary hearing as "a pretty good outcome".


"It is really, really good to have David available for the Great Britain test. It is a pretty good outcome at the end of the day for us," he said.


Solomona had been placed on report by New Zealand referee Glen Black for upending Fielden in a tackle during the Kiwis' 42-26 win at Loftus Road in London last Sunday.


He was a key figure in New Zealand's rousing performance, laying on Manu Vatuvei's first try and almost supplying a second for the winger with an audacious grubber kick.


"We are not relying on one player but it is good news," McClennan said.


"David has been in great form, as have a lot of players.


"His first 20 minutes last week (against Great Britain) were outstanding. I was sitting there on the edge of my seat every time he got the ball."


McClennan will rest a host of key players for the match against England.


- NZPA