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Kasiano, Scott charged as Kaufusi cleared

Melbourne Storm prop Sam Kasiano has earned a one-match ban for what was described as a ‘dog shot’ by NRL legend Andrew Johns, while there is mixed news for the Maroons.

The big man was put on report after hitting a defenceless Johnathan Thurston late and square in the back during Friday night’s victory over the Cowboys.

“It wasn’t a big hit, it was a dog shot, it was a coward hit,” Johns said.

“Thurston passes the ball, his back is turned and there’s this long wait and he dives in and hits him in the lower back and the kidneys.

“That has to be knocked out of the game, hitting blokes in the back after they’ve passed the ball should be a minimum four-week suspension.”

Kasiano hits JT square in the back. Pic: Getty
Kasiano hits JT square in the back. Pic: Getty

However, the NRL match review committee disagreed to an extent, with Kasiano only facing one week on the sidelines for the incident.

There was mixed news for Queensland coach Kevin Walters out of the clash.

Likely debutant Felise Kaufusi was not charged for his cannonball challenge on Matt Scott.

But Scott himself faces a tough decision after being hit with a one-game ban over a shoulder charge on Young Tonumaipea, despite his long-term good record reducing the penalty points.

He will miss State of Origin unless he heads to the judiciary and successfully challenges the decision.

Mixed news. Pic: Getty
Mixed news. Pic: Getty