NRL: NZ Warriors forward Zyon Maiu'u suspended two weeks for dangerous tackle in Wests Tigers pre-season hitout

NZ Warriors forward Zyon Maiu'u has copped a two-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on a Wests Tigers rival during their first pre-season hitout at Christchurch.

The powerful interchange player was red-carded after 20 minutes, after connecting heavily with a shoulder to the head of Tigers centre Declan Casey, who waved to spectators, as he was carted off the field.

Maiu'u was duly expelled from the contest, but the Warriors have succeeded in having the grade two reckless high tackle charge downgraded to a grade three careless high tackle.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster was reluctant to discuss the incident until Casey's health became clearer.

"Obviously, it wasn't a nice situation, getting stretchered off," he said. "The boys are around him Maiu'u], he's really gutted.

"He feels he's worked so hard and, one, he didn't want that to happen and, two, he's worked so hard all pre-season and it feels like his opportunity has been taken away from him.

"He's not blaming, he just wishes he could show what he could do."

Maiu'u, 21, played every game for the Warriors reserves last season and signed a two-year deal with the club in November.

NZ Warriors forward Zyon Maiu'u has copped a two-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on a Wests Tigers rival during their first pre-season hitout at Christchurch.

The powerful interchange player was red-carded after 20 minutes, after connecting heavily with a shoulder to the head of Tigers centre Declan Casey, who waved to spectators, as he was carted off the field.

Maiu'u was duly expelled from the contest, but the Warriors have succeeded in having the grade two reckless high tackle charge downgraded to a grade three careless high tackle.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster was reluctant to discuss the incident until Casey's health became clearer.

"Obviously, it wasn't a nice situation, getting stretchered off," he said. "The boys are around him Maiu'u], he's really gutted.

"He feels he's worked so hard and, one, he didn't want that to happen and, two, he's worked so hard all pre-season and it feels like his opportunity has been taken away from him.

"He's not blaming, he just wishes he could show what he could do."

Maiu'u, 21, played every game for the Warriors reserves last season and signed a two-year deal with the club in November.

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