League: Faumuina charged with careless high tackle

SYDNEY - New Zealand Warriors lock Sione Faumuina has been charged with a grade one careless high tackle following his hit on St George Illawarra captain Trent Barrett during Saturday's National NRL match in Wollongong.

The NRL judiciary yesterday charged the Kiwis international with the lowest degree of severity allowed under the competition's guidelines, although his previous disciplinary record ensures carry over points must be added.

That means he will miss the match against the Melbourne Storm in Auckland on Sunday if he enters an early guilty plea.

Should the Warriors opt to defend the charge at the judiciary tomorrow night and lose he risks a stiffer penalty. The club is reviewing what course of action to take and is disappointed Faumuina was charged.

He was placed on report by referee Steve Clark after the incident, prompting Warriors coach Tony Kemp to bemoan the trend of players feigning injury in a bid to milk penalties.

Speaking after the Warriors' 18-32 loss, Kemp said it was disappointing "when you get blokes lying down when they get a fair shot put on them".

Faumuina was one of six players charged from last weekend's action.

Roosters' Amos Roberts, Penrith's Shane Rodney (dangerous throws) and Newcastle's Anthony Quinn (striking) can all escape suspension with early guilty pleas.

Manly's Brent Kite (lifting knee) faces the weekend off unless the Sea Eagles successfully defend his charge while the Melbourne Storm have already lodged an early guilty plea on behalf of Ian Donnelly, who will miss two weeks for making unnecessary contact with the head/neck of a Parramatta opponent.

- NZPA