Star Reds players Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight have been suspended for Friday night’s game in Brisbane.
Both faced the judiciary late on Monday after being sent off in the Reds’ loss to Moana Pasifika, and both copped three-week bans.
McDermott, the livewire halfback who was one of the captains used by the Wallabies last year, was pinged for a wild swinging arm on Moana flanker Irie Papuni in the 47th minute of the game in Whangarei.
He was shown a yellow card that was upgraded to red.
McDermott was found guilty of the relatively uncommon "physical abuse" charge on Monday night and will miss transtasman games against the Highlanders, Blues and Crusaders.
His absence will put the spotlight on reserve halfback Kalani Thomas, who has been waiting in the wings and also played for Auckland in the NPC last year.
Outstanding Reds flanker McReight was sin-binned in the 73rd minute of the game against Moana Pasifika for a high shot on William Havili.
His indiscretion was also upgraded to a red card.
McReight will be able to reduce his suspension by a week by attending tackle school.
The Reds will likely introduce youngster John Bryant to join Harry Wilson and Liam Wright in the loose trio to play the Highlanders.
