ORANGE has been robbed of a chance to see former NRL cult-figure George Rose in action after the premiership-winning big man copped a two-game suspension at the judiciary last week.

Rose missed last weekend’s round eight 28-24 loss to St Pat’s in Bathurst - the Tigers first defeat of the season - and will also be forced to sit out the return clash with defending Group 10 premiers CYMS at Wade Park during the June 19 round 10 fixture. The Tigers have a bye in round nine.

A member of Manly’s 2011 premiership-winning outfit, Rose copped a reckless high tackle charge after the Tigers’ win over Blayney in round seven, a hit that carries a total of 279 points or - with 100 points equalling one week on the sidelines - a two-week suspension.

Oberon president Ian Christie-Johnson said the club fought to have the charge downgraded to careless, but the three-man judiciary panel deemed the evidence sufficient enough to uphold the original charge.

“That’s footy, isn’t it ... the bounce of the ball, the luck of the draw,” Christie-Johnson said.

“They’ve shot themselves in the foot a bit with their crowds though.”

Rose’s absence from the Tigers’ line-up for the CYMS clash is now the second time the former Preston Campbell Medal winner, awarded to the best player in the NRL Indigenous All Stars clash, won’t appear for a game at Wade Park in 2016.

He missed Oberon’s clash with Hawks in round six with a hamstring injury.

Christie-Johnson’s high-flying Tigers have averaged, he says, over 1200 people through the gate at home games this year thanks mainly to the club’s resurgence up the ladder and Rose’s drawing power.

“I reckon a third of the crowd comes just to see George play as well,” Christie-Johnson said.

“He’s obviously got the affinity with Bathurst having played his junior footy there, and a large number of people travel up to watch him. 

“He’s got a big family too, and most of them come to watch him and his brothers [Trent and Matt] play as well.”

Both Trent and Matt Rose played in CYMS’ premiership-winning side last season.

Given that, and the fact the Tigers knocked off the defending premiers 20-18 in round one, green and golds boss Dave Penny believes even though George won’t be on the field, the masses will still turn up in their droves on Sunday, June 19.

“It is disappointing he won’t be there, yes,” Penny said.

“But we’ve got a great following ... I’d be expecting the supporters and players will be there to help reverse that round one result.

“We’ll have a big old boys contingent there so it’ll still be a great crowd.”

With both sides in the running for semi-finals, Rose could make an appearance at Wade Park in the post season if the Tigers travel to play CYMS in September.