Anthony Milford‘s return to the NRL looks likely to be cut short after the halfback was hit with a two game ban for a shot on Broncos fullback Reece Walsh.
Milford hit Walsh on suspicion, with the ball never anywhere near the Brisbane player, leading the judiciary to slap him with two weeks if he takes the Early Guilty Plea.
That leaves Wayne Bennett in serious strife, as his team also lost Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to a hamstring injury and his replacement at the back, Kodi Nikorima, to a calf issue late in the game.
The Phins take on Parramatta next Friday night and will be down to the bare bones in the playmaker department.
Jordan Riki was the only other charge from the Battle of Brisbane: he was fined for a high shot on Jack Bostock but will be free to play next week.
In the early game, Ryan Papenhuyzen escaped a charge for a hip-drop on Josh Addo-Carr, copping a $750 fine instead.
Also considering himself lucky is Sam Hughes, who was cited for a second week running for a head slam. Despite being binned at the time, he will not face any time off the field.
Alec MacDonald and Reimis Smith were also fined but not suspended.
Newcastle’s Jacob Saifiti was charged on Friday for his controversial high shot on Lindsay Collins which was not penalised even after the Bunker examined the incident.
Saifiti clocked his opposing prop in the head during Thursday night’s loss but because his opponent had fumbled the ball a split second before impact, the Bunker ruled no penalty after the Roosters challenged the decision.
Collins and coach Trent Robinson were fuming with the call which drew blood from the Test forward. Saifiti was handed a grade-one careless high tackle charge but faces only a fine of $1800-$2500.
Roosters half Luke Keary was pinged $1000 for contrary conduct for making avoidable contact with a match official.