Manly winger Lehi Hopoate is facing a potential suspension after an incident involving contact with a referee during Manly’s win at Magic Round. Multiple reports say the matter is being reviewed under the NRL’s match review processes, with disciplinary action expected depending on the outcome of the assessment.
The reports also state that Wests Tigers centre Patrick Herbert is separately facing a two-match ban for a head slam on Hopoate in the same game. That charge stems from on-field contact between the two players during the match, and it is being considered as a separate disciplinary issue to the referee-contact allegation involving Hopoate.
All outlets indicate that the league’s tribunal or grading process will determine the final sanctions for both incidents. The timing and length of any bans for Hopoate will depend on the specific grading and findings related to the referee contact, while Herbert’s potential ban is reported as two games.
