Samoa international Misi Taulapapa has been given an eight-match ban for biting an opponent.
The 37-year-old winger was playing for Newcastle Thunder in the Betfred League One promotion final against Oldham when Roughyeds forward Emmerson Whittel claimed he had been bitten on the right forearm.
Referee Gareth Hewer put the incident on the report, after the Rugby Football League's match review panel charged Taulapapa with a grade F offence, he was referred to a disciplinary hearing.
Taulapapa pleaded guilty and, in his absence from the hearing, Newcastle director of rugby Denis Betts said his player had shown considerable remorse for his actions but could offer no explanation.
Betts said Taulapapa apologised to Whittel on the field and both he and the club accept there is no place in the game for this kind of conduct.
Taulapapa scored two of Newcastle's three tries but could not prevent his side going down 18-14 to miss out on promotion to the Championship.
