Panthers' Viliame Kikau set for stint on sidelines as NRL judiciary uphold ban
Barnstorming Panthers forward Viliame Kikau has been slapped with a two match ban after failing to overturn a dangerous contact charge at the NRL judiciary.
Kikau faced the music on Tuesday night over a hit on Dragons half Darren Nicholls that saw him sin-binned in the 64th minute in his side's 40-18 victory at Penrith Stadium.
The suspension sees the Penrith big-man sidelined for the Panthers' clash with the Canberra Raiders on Sunday, and the Bulldogs the following weekend at Bankwest Stadium.
At the time of the incident NRL great Phil Gould labelled the decision by referee Grant Atkins to hand Kikau 10-minutes a "disgrace".
Panthers' Viliame Kikau AAP
"Oh my God, really? No!" a baffled Gould said in commentary.
"If he's been sent, that's a disgrace. Honestly, that's a disgrace."
Fellow Wide World Of Sports commentator agreed with Gould's sentiments.
"I thought it was a little bit harsh," Slater said.
Kikau collides with Nicholls Nine
"They're cracking down on hitting playmakers late. I thought this one was a little bit different to the traditional (late hits on halves).
"I think Kikau was already in position to make the tackle. I thought the 10 minutes was a little bit harsh.
"He didn't go through with the tackle. There was no force behind it."
MORE TO COME.
