NRL: Matai handed seven-week ban

A seven-game ban means Steve Matai has been ruled out of the Four Nations for New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand and Manly centre Steve Matai has been handed a seven-game ban by the NRL judiciary after pleading guilty to a grade three reckless tackle charge today.

In a double blow to the Kiwis enforcer, he will also miss New Zealand's Four Nations campaign next month, following his late hit on Canterbury hooker Michael Ennis in Manly's shock 30-24 defeat to the Bulldogs at Brookvale on Sunday.

With New Zealand now unable to select the 26-year-old as part of their squad, he will not be eligible to use the Four Nations as part of his suspension.

He is now likely to miss the opening five games of next season plus two official trial matches.

In a further dent to injury-hit Manly's semifinal hopes ahead of Sunday's match against minor premiers St George Illawarra at Kogarah, co-captain Jason King is also out, after pleading guilty to a high tackle charge.

King was sanctioned for his tackle on Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan early in the second half on Sunday.

Sea Eagles back rower Chris Bailey, who was also placed on report for a similar tackle on Chris Armit, also pleaded guilty, but will be available for selection against the Dragons.

South Sydney prop David Taylor also took the early plea for a high shot on Dragons' hooker Luke Priddis in his side's 38-24 defeat on Sunday night.

- NZPA