League: Solomone Kata facing suspension after brain fade

Warriors centre Solomone Kata may face suspension from the NRL after a brain explosion in Tonga's match against Samoa.

Kata kneed his Samoan opponent Kirisome Auva'a in a heated exchange which quickly ended in apologies.

After doing well to stop Auva'a in a lifting tackle, Kata added some extras by kneeing him while Auva'a was trying to play the ball. Auva'a responded by hurling the ball at Kata, starting a heated exchange.

However, the incident ended calmly, with Kata going over to offer his apologies, stunning commentator Jimmy Smith, who thought trouble was brewing when Kata approached Auva'a.

"He walks out of frame and I think uh-oh where is he going? And it was a hand shake and embrace," said Smith.

Referee Ben Cummins penalised and placed Kata on report, which may put him in doubt for Saturday's match against Penrith in Christchurch.