Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

NRL charge might cost Blair NZ Test berth

Captain Adam Blair will miss New Zealand's rugby league Test against England in Denver unless he can beat a dangerous contact charge.

Adam Blair
Adam Blair is facing a ban which would see him miss New Zealand's Test against England in Denver. (AAP)

New Zealand's availability crisis for next week's Denver rugby league Test against England has taken another hit with captain Adam Blair set to be rubbed out through suspension.

Blair on Saturday was hit with a grade-two dangerous contact charge for a crusher tackle on North Queensland's Kyle Feldt in the Warriors' Friday night win in Townsville.

He will miss two games for the tackle, although that will go up to three if he attempts to fight it at the judiciary and fails.

It comes after the New Zealand Herald reported halfback Shaun Johnson, second-rower Tohu Harris, fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and centre Gerard Beale had all made themselves unavailable for the Test.

Melbourne prop and former Kiwis captain Jesse Bromwich has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The Denver Test has been a point of contention all year, however England will take a near-full strength side into the clash.

The Kiwis might be forced to run with youngsters Kodi Nikorima and Te Maire Martin in the halves.

Elsewhere on the juducuary front, Sydney Roosters centre Joseph Manu faces a one-game ban for contact on Penrith's Tyronne Phillips, even with an early plea.

The Warriors' Peta Hiku will escape suspension for a dangerous throw on Kane Linnett, while NSW State of Origin stars Boyd Cordner and Tyrone Peachey have not been charged despite concerns over high tackle and striking offences.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world