Thorman to miss four games for biting

Thorman was found guilty of biting Southcity centre Usaia O’Sullivan at the Group Nine judiciary on Thursday night.

The incident occurred in the draw between the two clubs at Harris Park on Sunday, June 19.

Southcity elected to cite the English halfback after O’Sullivan wanted to carry-on with the matter.

Group Nine judiciary chairman Barry Cottam said Thorman pleaded not guilty but the evidence provided was against him.

Cottam said the good record of Thorman, who had previously not faced a judiciary, was taken into account when the punishment was determined.

“Because of his clean record four weeks is quite the minimum for a biting,” Cottam said. 

“He pleaded not guilty but there was overwhelming evidence there with photos and stuff like that. 

“It was a big choice to plead not guilty.”

The Cherrypickers have the bye this weekend so as it stands Thorman is set to miss games against Brothers, Tumbarumba, Cootamundra and Kangaroos.

All teams are below Young on the ladder.

The Cherrypickers are in the thick of the battle for a finals place and are currently in sixth place, one point adrift of Albury and Temora.

Thorman said the outcome will mean some significant changes to the team ahead of the weekend’s game against Wagga Brothers.

“I'm disappointed with the outcome but it is what it is,” he said.

“I’ll try not disrupt or change the team too much as these next games are all must wins if we want to keep in touch of the playoff top five.

“We'll look to move Warren Aiken to five-eighth as a bit of an extra forward and someone I know can steady the ship and who has also had plenty of experience there.

“Blake Hewitt who's been having a huge impact off the bench for us will likely go to second row.”

The Cherrypickers will contest Round 12 at Alfred Oval this Sunday, July 3.

The Under 16s will kick off the day at 10am and will finish off with First Grade to commence at 2.30pm.