Canberra Raiders winger Jordan Rapana says biting just isn't in Kevin Proctor's nature.
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The fellow New Zealand internationals grew up on the Gold Coast together, attended the same high school and have represented the Kiwis together.
While Rapana didn't see the incident on Saturday - he was having a pre-game nap before the Raiders' emphatic win over the Brisbane Broncos - he firmly believed the Gold Coast Titans captain didn't bite Cronulla half Shaun Johnson.
Proctor became the first player in NRL history to be sent off for biting in the Sharks' win over the Titans on Saturday.
But video footage is inconclusive - it's clear Johnson's arm was in Proctor's mouth, but it's unclear whether the latter actually bit his fellow Kiwi tackled him around the neck and head.
Proctor has vehemently denied doing so and pleaded not guilty to the charge, which the match review committee sent directly to the NRL judiciary to be heard on Tuesday night.
He's expected to be named in the Titans team to face the Raiders in the lead-up to his hearing.
Rapana was hopeful they'd get to play each other on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
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"I was actually napping that afternoon because we were playing that night so I didn't actually see the incident," he said.
"But I spoke to him on the phone that night and the next day as well. He's one of my best mates and I've got to support [him] no matter what.
"I believe he didn't bite him. It's just not in his nature at all. Hopefully he's got a case tonight and really hoping as a mate he gets through that."
On a lighter note, Rapana has declared his post-game celebratory dance in just his budgie smugglers will become his signature move.
The 31-year-old busted some moves to celebrate his birthday and the win over the Broncos when they sang the team song in the sheds following the game on Saturday.
He scored a try and could've had a hat-trick with two tries disallowed.
"It's a bit impromptu, but I think it's going to have to stay a signature move now," Rapana said.
"Have to [use it again]. Have to wear those Raiders budgies every game now - my good luck budgies."
NRL ROUND 15
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans at the Gold Coast, 3pm.
Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Jordan Rapana, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Hudson Young. Interchange: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Joe Tapine, 16. Ryan Sutton, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. Harley Smith-Shields, 20. Kai O'Donnell, 21. Matt Frawley.
Titans squad: 1. Alexander Brimson, 2. Anthony Don, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Young Tonumaipea, 5. Phillip Sami, 6. Ashley Taylor, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Jaimin Jolliffe, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Keegan Hipgrave, 13. Moeaki Fotuaika. Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Beau Fermor, 17. Sam Stone. Reserves: 18. Corey Thompson, 19. Tanah Boyd, 20. Jai Whitbread, 21. Erin Clark.