Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands hit with suspensions

Josh McAllister
Mckenzie Yei Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands have been hit with suspensions following their World Cup clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Tuesday.

PNG forward Mckenzie Yei has received a one-match ban for a Grade A high tackle. The 25-year-old was sent to the sin-bin during his side’s 32-16 victory in the first-half for the tackle.

Meanwhile, Cook Islands centre Reubenn Rennie has also been handed a one-match suspension for a Grade A dangerous throw. The 27-year-old was also sent for 10 in the bin by the official during the second-half during the fiery clash. 

The pair will miss the final game of the group stages, with both sides fighting for a spot in the quarter-finals with one win so far in the tournament.

Cook Islands go head-to-head with Tonga on Sunday at Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, while Papua New Guinea face Wales on Monday in Doncaster.

Elsewhere in the World Cup

Ireland will be without starting front-rower Jaimin Jolliffe for Friday night’s must-win clash against New Zealand at Headingley.

The Gold Coast Titans powerhouse will serve a one-match ban following an unsuccessful appeal last night. The Wolfhounds will also be without prop Liam Byrne due to a two-match ban.

Ireland must beat the Kiwis if they are to reach the quarter-finals.

St Helens prop Dan Norman and West Tigers back-rower Henry O’Kane are set to make their Ireland debuts in the Group C clash at Headingley Stadium.

Robbie Mulhern will also miss the clash due to injury. Ireland coach Ged Corcoran has recalled back-rower James McDonnell after he missed the 32-14 defeat to Lebanon through illness.

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