Hetherington was sent off for a high shot on Raiders second Corey Harawira-Naera, who also went off before passing his head injury assessment.

But the Broncos dummy half has escaped with a fine of $1150 for an early guilty plea.

He was unlucky to be sent off given the mitigating circumstances - Broncos halfback Tyson Gamble tripped Harawira-Naera, tipping the New Zealand international so his head smashed into Hetherington's shoulder.

It ended any chance the Broncos had with 20 minutes remaining in the 38-16 loss at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

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Papalii, who was sent off for a high shot on Canterbury winger Tuipulotu Katoa in Magic Round, has only just returned from a three-week suspension.

He felt the send off was harsh, but said it was clear there couldn't be any contact with the head - no matter what.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters also didn't think it was a tackle when asked about it in the post-match press conference.

"I thought it was an accident. Corey getting his legs cut down and falling into the tackle," Papalii said.

"It just shows it's not an excuse - if you hit the head with a shoulder or arm it's a penalty. He couldn't do much there. I thought the send off was a bit much."

NRL ROUND 15

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v St George Illawarra Dragons at Wollongong, 5.30pm.