Gold Coast Titans player, Greg Bird, is facing a hefty eight-match ban, after he received a throwing charge last weekend.

Last night, the AFL Tribunal disciplined Hawthorn captain, Luke Hodge, for striking.

Kirsty Jarrett reports.

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Bird could miss all three State of Origin games if a throwing charge isn’t downgraded when he fronts the judiciary tonight.

Mitchell Pearce, Sydney Roosters co-captain, said he’d be more relaxed if he was selected to play again for New South Wales.

He’s played twelve games for the Blues before.

Mitchel Pearce, Sydney Roosters Co-captain: “Definitely feel a lot more relaxed. I think I haven’t handled that sort of situation well in the past, especially when I was younger. Sort of let it get to me a bit.”

In AFL, Hawthorn’s Luke Hodge has received a three-match ban for striking.

The tribunal deemed the incident ‘particularly nasty’ and Hodge was remorseful after the verdict.

Luke Hodge, Hawthorn Captain: “I don’t stand for that as a footballer. I don’t stand for that as a person and I definitely believe there’s no room in our game for incidents like that.”

In Soccer, the Western Sydney Wanderers finished third in the Asian Champions League, despite beating Guangzhou Evergrande 2-0.

Commentator: “What a way to finish it off for the Western Sydney Wanderers.”

To progress, the Wanderers needed the other match in their group to end in a draw.

The Brisbane Roar’s season has ended with a 2-1 loss to the Urawa Red Diamonds on the Gold Coast.

Kirsty Jarrett, QUT News.