Former NRL star Pat Politoni will sit on the sidelines for just three matches after the shocking one-punch incident that stunned the footy world.

The Burleigh Bears player was widely condemned after footage emerged of the sickening blow during a Queensland Cup match.

Townsville Blackhawks player Michael Parker-Walshe was knocked out cold by the punch, which sent Politoni to the judiciary on Wednesday night.

After being found guilty of a striking charge, he had an eight-week ban reduced down to three.

“With reductions for an early guilty plea, seven incident-free years, as well as time served off the field (for the send-off), he receives 360 points, which equates to three games and 60 carry over points,” Queensland Rugby League said.





The suspension comes after Parker-Walshe made a startling admission about his role in the incident.

After the Bears are given a penalty by the referee, Politoni began walking back to his line when Parker-Walshe rubbed Politoni’s head.

Politoni reacted to the patronising pat by knocking Parker-Walshe to the ground with one devastating punch.

“It was probably a bit of a d***head move on my part,” Parker-Walshe told the Townsville Bulletin.

“To be completely honest I have watched the incident and I was being a bit of a smart arse.

Pat Politoni knocked Michael Parker-Walshe out cold. Pic: QRL More

“We play a contact sport, and in the heat of the moment, that was his reaction. If we all had our time again, I wouldn’t have patted him on the head.

“I wear the number seven and I niggle with the best of them. That has probably been coming for a few years.”

The hit immediately sparked a brawl, which took officials nearly a minute to break up.

Two Blackhawks players, Tom Opacic and Kieran Quabba, were sin-binned for their role in the melee.

Politoni is understood to have apologised to Parker-Walshe in the locker rooms after the match.