THE Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League management committee has rocked both the Cudgen Hornets and Murwillumbah Mustangs camps by giving long holidays to key players following a late night meeting on Monday.

Hornet's rampaging centre Tony Pamintangi has received a three-month suspension for failing to fulfil an obligation imposed on him by Group 9, and Brad Purcell will have a four-week enforced holiday after being sent off in last Saturday's thrilling 18-10 win over the Hornets at Ned Byrne Field.

Purcell was given his marching orders only a minute into the second half and was charged under Section 15 1b: When effecting or attempting to effect a tackle (a player) makes contact with the head or neck of an opponent intentionally, recklessly or carelessly.

The charge results in an automatic four-week suspension.

But Purcell and the Mustangs can either accept the ruling or request a meeting with the NRRRL management committee to defend the charge.

Pamintangi, who linked with the Hornets from Albury during the off-season, had to front the Group 9 management committee following an incident while he was a spectator at last year's Group 9 grand final.

He was told he would face an automatic three-month suspension if he did not complete a Safe Play Code examination as well as sit successfully for a coaching accreditation course.

NRRRL secretary Doug Harrison says Pamintangi did neither and as such will not be able to play for Cudgen until midway through the season.

Unfortunately for Cudgen, Pamintangi played for Hornets in the season opener when his side beat Tweed Coast Raiders 40-18, resulting in Cudgen being penalised by losing both competition points which are now awarded to the Raiders.

Pamintangi still has to gain a clearance from his Albury club before he can again pull on the boots for the Hornets.