The Lower Mid North Coast rugby union judiciary committee has also suspended Ratz prop, Steven Rees, who was involved in the same clash.

"These matter belatedly came before the Mid North Coast Rugby Union judiciary due to issues beyond the control of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union, (MNCRU), executive officer, Bruce Worboys said.

"To say the MNCRU judiciary is disappointed in the procedural failure is an understatement," Mr Worboys said.

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"Both these players were sent from the field by experienced referee Michael Wooster.

"The Send Off Report is very succinct in that it states Muna "threw multiple punches to an opponent's face" whilst Stanton "threw a few punches, connecting with an opponent's face".

"Both players were charged under Law 9.12.

"The president, of the Forster Tuncurry RUFC, Damian Daczko, in a submission to the MNCRU judiciary, gave the background information required for this incident.

"Mr Daczko is or was a MNCRU referee and his opinion is well regarded by the MNCRU judiciary.

"Mr Daczko stated that the matter was instigated by the Manning River No 3, who was also sent from the field, again with a very limited description of the offence.

"That matter has been dealt with separately.

"Mr Daczko states that his players are remorseful for their actions and admitted the offenses at the first available opportunity.

"All players involved in the fracas were seen to shake hands and have a beer together after the game

"There were no injuries or wounds inflicted.

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"Mr Daczko contends that the fracas was in fact a low range offence with which the MNCRU judiciary concurs.

"The prescribed penalty for a low range offence of this nature is a two-week suspension."

Pursuant to Law 88 the judiciary takes into account the mitigating factors of each of the players' good record and the demonstration of genuine remorse by the subject players. Each player is suspended for a period of one match to date from the date of this order, May 5, 2021, by the MNCRU judiciary, Messrs Shields, Kay and Davies.

Tight-head prop Steve Rees' suspension comes at an inopportune time for the big forward as the Ratz meet the co-competition leaders, the Wallamba Bulls, at Nabiac, tomorrow, Saturday, May 8.

In the other game, the Forster Tuncurry Dolphins are scheduled to meet the Old Bar Clams at Richard Crook Field.

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