OVENS and King interleague coach Finton Eames is scrambling to find a replacement ruckman, with first choice Jamie Bell (pictured left) set to front the tribunal tonight on a striking charge.
Bell was booked during the final quarter of a fiery clash between North Wangaratta and Benalla All Blacks for allegedly striking Panthers big man Brendan Smith.
While a one-week set penalty was offered, Benalla officials asked that the case be heard by the tribunal.
If Bell is suspended, he will have to serve the term of the ban in club matches, but he would also be ruled ineligible for interleague duties this weekend.
"It's bad timing," OKFNL general manager Zac Guilfoyle said.
By - Scott Anderson.
Last Modified on 23/05/2012 11:15