Canterbury prop James Graham has been suspended for 12 matches by the NRL judiciary for biting Melbourne’s Billy Slater after a marathon hearing lasting more than three hours on Thursday night.
The ban includes England’s two upcoming Tests against Wales and France and two trial games for Canterbury which means he won’t return until round nine of the 2013 NRL season.
The judiciary found that Graham bit Slater on the left ear during a first half brawl that spilled over the sideline in last Sunday’s grand final at ANZ Stadium.
Slater made an on-field complaint to officials who noted the star fullback’s ear was bleeding.
Surprisingly, the 27-year-old Graham pleaded not guilty to the charge despite overwhelming evidence and maintained his innocence throughout the hearing when quizzed by NRL prosecutor Peter Kite.
The plea cost Graham a chance of being eligible for a 25 per cent reduction on the final penalty.
Graham’s suspension continues a miserable few days for the Bulldogs club who are in damage control following allegations of inappropriate comments made by players to a television reporter during mad Monday celebrations at Belmore.