The match between the Yass Magpies and the Goulburn Bulldogs ended in controversy on Sunday after an incident which left Bulldogs star fullback Tyler Cornish with a shattered jaw.
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Early in the course of Goulburn's 56-12 victory at the Goulburn Workers Arena, Cornish was tackled by Magpies centre William Peace. During the contact, Peace's shoulder collided with the former Gold Coast Titan's jaw, and broke it badly.
The injury will see the star recruit sit out for two to three months, and Bulldogs coach Adam Kyle has called for Peace to face consequences for careless tackling.
"We actually identified the player that did it [Peace] during the week and he'd actually severely injured one of the Woden players the week before ... and again he's come and delivered the same today," Kyle said.
"For me, it's ridiculous that he isn't banned for a long time. It's a disgrace if I'm honest, and he should be suspended for a long time.
"He's got no control of his tackle at all and he's hit one of our players fair in the jaw."
While Kyle confirmed that he would follow the issue up with Canberra Region Rugby League, Magpies coach Cam Hardy stepped to Peace's defence.
"If you know Willie, that's how Willie defends when he comes out of the line like that," Hardy said.
"Absolutely no malice in it whatsoever. I think the contact just went wrong. He's just not that type of guy. I think it'll be [okay]."
Cornish's was one of three serious injury scares for the Bulldogs, as Dillon Rota taken to hospital for a suspected spinal injury after a crusher tackle, and Liam Oakley treated for a dislocated shoulder.
Even with Goulburn reduced to one player left on the bench, the Magpies struggled to make inroads.
"Goulburn were very, very good, take nothing away from Goulburn. They deserved to win," Hardy said.
"It was like we turned up for a couple of two-minute lots and a couple of sets, and you just can't do that against a side that can hurt you wherever they go on the park."
On April 27, the Magpies will next play the Gungahlin Bulls at Walker Park.