Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday will miss Friday's crucial final round clash with Melbourne after being found guilty of a grade one dangerous contact charge at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.
Eighth-placed Brisbane need to win the AAMI Park match to be assured of a finals berth and now have to do so without one of their premier forwards.
Thaiday's defence counsel argued that teammate Josh McGuire's actions in the 50th minute tackle on St George Illawarra's Will Matthews in the Broncos' win last Friday contributed to it becoming a "crusher" tackle, and as such Thaiday could not be found guilty.
But the judiciary panel of Paul Whatuira, Michael Vella and Mal Cochrane rejected that argument to find the Test forward guilty.
Thaiday said after the verdict he was still confident the Broncos could force their way into the playoffs against the sixth-placed Storm.
"You never want to sit on the sideline but I head down to Melbourne as a supporter and wish the boys all the best," he said.
"I have every confidence we will win the game and be in that eight, and really cement a spot.
"I was glad I came down here and disappointed with the result but I have to cop it on the chin."
"I was confident, that is why it is hard to be found not guilty."
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