Aquis Titans back-rower Zeb Taia is clear to make his NRL debut for the club in our opening clash against Newcastle Knights on Sunday week after taking an early plea on his charge from Saturday’s trial against the Rabbitohs.
Taia was hit with a grade one dangerous throw charge which carried 125 points but was reduced to 93 with an early plea.
It means he will make his NRL return against the club he last played for before heading off to Super League in 2013 for three seasons with Catalans.
“I’m obviously relieved that I can be there to start the season with the team and come up against my old club in round one,” said Taia. “I would have been gutted if I missed out.”
Head coach Neil Henry was also relieved with prop Luke Douglas already sidelined for one match after being suspended from a charge in the previous trial against Parramatta Eels in Alice Springs.
“Zeb has played well in the two trials and it would have been disappointing for him, as well as the team, if he was not able to make his debut against the Knights,” he said.
“He’s really added something to the team, on and off the field, after being a late starter to training because of ankle problems and I’m just glad for him that he can be there to kick-off our campaign.”
