The Western Force's prop stocks have taken a further hit with young gun Marley Pearce cited for a high tackle during their defeat to the Hurricanes.
Pearce was yellow card during the 44-14 loss for a high shot on Jordie Barrett midway through the second half.
Don't miss Super Round 2024 in Melbourne from March 1-3. Get your tickets now!
The former Junior Wallaby appeared to break his nose in the contact, clutching at it on the ground as referee Damon Murphy sent him to the bin.
The SANZAAR Citing Commissioner has added to his woes, deeming that the tackle warranted a red card.
"Pearce is alleged to have contravened Law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously, during the match between the Western Force and Hurricanes at HBF Park in Perth on 23 February 2024," the statement said.
"Upon further review of the match footage, the Citing Commissioner deemed in his opinion the incident had met the Red Card threshold for foul play.
"The Case is to be considered in the first instance by the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee which will take place on Monday 26 March 2023."
It adds further stress on their front-row depth following Harry Hoopert's knee injury, set to rule him out for the majority of the season.
Fellow props Angus Wagner (knee) and Siosifa Amore (thumb) will not feature until at least the second half of the season, with Tom Robertson sitting out as he takes a sabbatical and recovers from an ACL injury.
In a boost for the Force, captain Jeremy Williams told Stan Sport he was hopeful of returning for Friday's clash against the Melbourne Rebels at Super Round.
Williams suffered a concussion in their final trial against the Queensland Reds.
Izack Rodda was a late withdrawal due to a quad injury, with coach Simon Cron hopeful for a return in the coming weeks.
