Ryan Couchman has been sidelined for four weeks after accepting a judiciary suspension over a hip drop tackle that ended Parramatta back rower J’Maine Hopgood’s season.
The St George Illawarra Dragons forward was referred straight to the judiciary and pleaded guilty, admitting the tackle was a clumsy mistake.
A remorseful Couchman said he accepted the ban, acknowledging the impact of the incident.
“Firstly, I apologise to J’Maine and wish him all the best with his recovery,” Couchman said. “I know what it’s like, so I’m behind him.”
The 22 year old admitted the four match suspension was tough to take but accepted responsibility.
“It’s disappointing that I’m not going to be able to play footy, but I made a mistake, so I’ll cop the four weeks,” he said.
Couchman will now miss the next month of action for the Dragons as Hopgood begins his recovery following the season ending injury.
