Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ hopes of playing for New Zealand again at the Rugby League World Cup have been hit after being suspended for one match.
The veteran Kiwi striker was just 13 minutes from returning from a three-game ban imposed during the NRL season when he hit Irish striker Dan Norman with a high shot in the final group game.
While Waerea-Hargreaves was convicted, Norman was taken away for a failed HIA.
After the match, Irish coach Ged Corcoran described the stunt as a “dog kick” and urged World Cup officials to sanction Kiwi support.
Waerea-Hargreaves has decided not to challenge the accusation and will not take part in the Kiwi quarter-final match against Fiji on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
Given his lack of playing time over the past six weeks, his lack of discipline and New Zealand strength in depth, manager Michael Maguire could decide to rely on other strikers in any other knockout match.
New Zealand full-back Jahrome Hughes also received a caution for contrary behavior, but will be free to play against Fiji in Hull.