Maroons enforcer gets lucky break after charge
Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai axed
Queensland enforcer Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has been hit with a grade-one dangerous contact charge but will be free to play in the State of Origin series opener after an early guilty plea.
Fa'asuamaleaui was charged for a crusher tackle on Wests Tigers forward Stefano Utoikamanu in the second half of the Titans' win on Sunday.
The early guilty plea means Fa'asuamaleaui will only miss one game for the Titans, against the Broncos in round 17.
However, he will be free to play in the State of Origin series opener in Sydney on June 8.
The Maroons have also been dealt a double blow with Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai both axed from the squad.
Ponga has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Gagai is out due to personal reasons.
The Maroons will now have to find a replacement for Ponga at fullback, with AJ Brimson the frontrunner.
Gagai's spot on the wing is likely to be taken by either Xavier Coates or Murray Taulagi.
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