Sharks skipper Wade Graham's suspension upgraded following unsuccessful judiciary hearing
Cronulla Sharks captain Wade Graham has been unsuccessful at the NRL judiciary and had his suspension increased to a four-match ban.
Graham was initially handed a three-match suspension for his brutal hit on South Sydney's Davvy Moale, after the incident was ruled a grade one reckless high tackle.
The 32-year-old fronted the judiciary on Tuesday evening, arguing that it was a "split-second decision".
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"There was no time to think, it changed from one attacker to another in the space of a step," he said.
Sharks player Wade Graham hits South Sydney's Davvy Moale. Fox League
"I just went into my normal tackle technique, aiming to hit the ball and make contact so it was an effective tackle.
"It was a split-second decision. I could maybe have gone lower but there was no time to change. I've had a series of concussions so I don't aim low anymore, but there was no time anyway."
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Graham's explanation did not wash with the NRL's legal team, who argued that the Sharks star had "lined (Moale) up" in the tackle.
The failed judiciary trip is a massive blow to the Sharks, who were already smarting on the back of a home loss to the Rabbitohs in round one.
Graham's suspension will see him miss clashes against the Eels, Raiders, Dragons and Warriors. He will be eligible to return in round seven against the Roosters following Cronulla's round six bye.
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