Zyon Maiu'u (with ball) at Warriors training. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Warriors forward Zyon Maiu'u has had his dangerous tackle charge downgraded at the NRL judiciary.
Maiu'u was sent off mid-way through the first half of their pre-season game against West Tigers in Christchurch on Sunday for a high shot on Tigers centre Declan Casey.
Casey spent ten minutes on the ground before being taken off on a strethcer.
The Warriors decided not to take an early gulity plea and faced losing the prop for four games.
Maiu'u was found guilty at the judiciary but was successful in having a Grade 2 Reckless High Tackle charge downgraded to a Grade 3 Careless High Tackle, resulting in a two-game ban.
Warriors utility Dylan Walker said his teammate was visibly dejected at training.
"You can just you can tell he's a little bit down.
"I think it was just one of those games you get caught up in it pretty fast, he hit his head, but I don't feel like there was any recklessness towards it."
Walker said there was no malice in Maiu'u's hit.
"He's a big and aggressive boy, but he didn't come in with a whole lot of force. I thought it was just because he got line speed and sort of steadied his feet and just got caught in the wrong place."
Coach Andrew Webster said their priority was ensuring Casey was ok.
"At end of the day, we just want to make sure the welfare of the other player was okay because obviously it wasn't a nice situation."
Webster said the young forward was very remorseful.
"He's he's really gutted, he feels he's worked so hard and one, he didn't want that to happen and two, he has worked so hard all preseason and feels like his opportunity has been taken away from him.
"He's taking responsibility too he's not blaming anyone. He just wishes he could show what he can do."
The 21 year old Maiu'u played for the Warriors reserves last year and is yet to make his NRL debut.
He won't be available for their opening two games against the Sharks and the Storm.
-RNZ
