Momirovski to miss three matches after failing at judiciary

Penrith centre Paul Momirovski will miss the next three games after failing in his bid to have a dangerous contact charge downgraded at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.

The 24-year-old will miss upcoming matches against the Knights, Manly and Sharks for his tackle on Broncos half Tom Dearden in last Thursday’s 20-12 win at Suncorp Stadium.

Momirovski will now not be eligible to play for the Panthers until Magic Round in Brisbane.

NRL prosecutor Peter McGrath said Momirovski used a swinging left arm into Dearden’s head. 

He said that while Momirovski was within his right to put pressure on the Broncos kicker, his “highly careless nature” led to “quite forceful contact” and warranted a higher grading.

“In launching himself at speed he lost some control, heightening the risk of injury,” McGrath said.

Momirovski looking at suspension for high shot on Dearden

Momirovski’s lawyer Nick Ghabar said the contact was marginally late at best, denying it was “highly careless”.

“This is an attempt at wrapping tackle and not an arm being held out in a coathanger-style of tackle,” Ghabar told the judiciary.

Momirovski was not present at NRL headquarters, appearing by video link from Penrith. He did not speak during proceedings or answer any questions.

Roosters forward Victor Radley and Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell will also appear at the judiciary tonight.