Penrith five-eighth Travis Burns is likely to spend a long stint on the sidelines after two controversial incidents in the Panthers’ 28-16 NRL win over the Sydney Roosters.
Burns was sent off by referee Ashley Klein in the 72nd minute for a high shot on Roosters’ prop Martin Kennedy, after earlier being reported in the 30th minute for a “chicken wing” tackle on interchange Mose Masoe.
Klein didn’t hesitate in sending Burns from the field and Kennedy left proceedings with a bloodied nose.
St George Illawarra’s Matt Prior is the only other player to have been sent off this year – that was also for a high tackle and Prior was given a five-match ban.
The send-off soured the Panthers’ five tries to three win at a wet and cold Penrith Stadium on Sunday.
In a match between two sides who have had largely disappointing seasons, Panthers centre Brad Tighe dominated proceedings, scoring two tries and having a hand in another.
NSW centre Michael Jennings showed he’s still one of the most dangerous attackers in the game with a scintillating 50m effort to score in the 55th minute in which he ran around Roosters’ fullback Anthony Minichiello.
The win, only Penrith’s fifth of the season, ended any slim hopes the Roosters had of playing finals football.