Warriors’ concerns continued, and inspiring captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was suspended after an unsuccessful appearance in the NRL judiciary.
The superstar full-back will miss the duel with Brisbane on the Central Coast on Saturday night after being found guilty.
Tuivasa-Sheck was by far the best player in the Warriors in his 44-point loss to the storm last Friday, and his absence is a heavy blow to the competitive 14th outfit.
The former Dally M medalist’s ban comes after reports that three warriors had been homesick to threaten to return to New Zealand to be with their families.
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Travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have stranded the Warriors in Australia since they were first quarantined for two weeks in Tamworth in early May.
Interim coach Todd Payten says he won’t be in the way if players want to get out.
The weekend showdown with 15th place in Brisbane, which has its own losing streak with five losses, is one of the most important games of the season for both sides.
That’s why Tuivasa-Sheck was so keen to play.
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However, the three-member judiciary of Bob Lindner, Ben Creagh and Tony Puletua wasted little time in rejecting the case of defense lawyer James McLeod for redress.
With a seven-year record before Tuesday evening, Tuivasa-Sheck can return to Gold Coast in the ninth round on Friday.
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