Ronaldo Mulitalo learns Rugby League World Cup fate after shoulder charge on Ronald Philitoga

New Zealand have been dealt a blow ahead of their do-or-die Rugby League World Cup semi-final, with Ronaldo Mulitalo handed a one-game ban.

The Kiwis’ 78-0 thumping of Fiji on Saturday on the Gold Coast came at a cost, with the star winger sent off for a shoulder charge on Ronald Philitoga in the 52nd minute.

It led to a melee between Fiji and New Zealand players, which culminated in halfback Brandon Wakeham punching Mulitalo in the head. The action earned the Fijian his marching orders as well.

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On Sunday, the judiciary deemed Mulitalo’s tackle careless and charged him with a grade-two offence.

But much to his relief he was only given a one-game suspension if he takes an early plea, meaning the winger would be eligible to return for the grand final if New Zealand win their semi next Saturday in Newcastle.

Multialo’s ban will hurt the Kiwis, because he has scored three tries and been typically busy under the high ball.

New Zealand face a challenge to qualify for the final, playing either Samoa or Tonga.

Wakeham also avoided a heavy ban, handed a one-game suspension, although that won’t matter because Fiji have been eliminated from the global showpiece.