Gee, Civoniceva Face Sideline Spells
by
Monday April 14, 2003

Broncos props Andrew Gee and Petero Civoniceva have both been charged with grade three careless high tackles after Sunday's disappointing 32-12 loss to the New Zealand Warriors.  Gee faces up to four weeks on the sideline, while Civoniceva could also be out for up to three weeks. 

If Gee pleads guilty early he will be suspended for three matches, and four if he challenges the charge and loses. Civoniceva will miss two matches if he pleads guilty early, and three if he fights the charge and loses. 

Both face higher penalties due to previous similar offences in the past two seasons.  Civoniceva was charged with the same offence on Penrith's Martin Lang last year, while Gee was twice suspended for careless high tackles last season.

Assuming both are suspended, it leaves coach Wayne Bennett with a worrying selection headache for this Friday night's clash with defending premiers, Sydney Roosters, in Sydney.  Carl Webb aggravated a hamstring injury at training last week and is unavailable for at least a fortnight, and Michael Coorey is also still out after groin surgery during the offseason.

Corey Parker is the obvious replacement for Civoniceva in the starting side, and if Ben Ikin overcomes his shoulder injury he will replace the injured Brett Seymour (dislocated finger) at five-eighth, but the two vacated bench spots are less than easy to fill.  Neale Wyatt came onto the bench for Sunday's loss, while Phil Lee is still available to step up to first grade.  The final bench spot is a quandry however.

Youngsters Ben Czislowski, Darren Mapp, Sam Thaiday and Matt Harris could all figure in discussions, but all except Mapp played off the bench for the Clydesdales in their 62-28 win over Souths Logan. For any of them it would be a considerable step up, but the Broncos can illafford to be without a reserve prop.  Brad Meyers or Dane Carlaw could be forced to move forward if Shane Webcke or Parker were replaced during the game.

The Broncos will decide what action to take against the two charges and Bennett will name his 17 on Tuesday.