NRL Judiciary News – Round 22 Recap:

- Broncos’ fullback Reece Walsh has been slapped with a fine after his sin-bin moment against the Knights at Suncorp Stadium.

- Panthers prop Moses Leota cops a hefty $3000 fine for a crusher tackle on Raiders forward Jed Stuart.

- Raiders skipper Joseph Tapine is also in the MRC's crosshairs after a high shot on Liam Henry.

- Knights forward Jermain McEwen has been hit with two separate charges from the Suncorp clash.

Leota Stung With $3000 Fine

The damage started early at Glen Willow Oval, where Penrith enforcer Moses Leota was pinged for a crusher tackle on Raiders’ back Jed Stuart in the 67th minute of the Panthers' 42-18 demolition of Canberra.

With the Samoan international a second-time offender, the MRC has handed down a whopping $3000 fine. Leota is expected to take the early plea, otherwise he risks a two-match suspension if he fronts the judiciary and is found guilty.

Ten minutes later, Raiders captain Joseph Tapine was placed on report for a high tackle on Liam Henry. 

The skipper will escape with a $1000 early plea fine, or a bumped-up $1500 sanction should he contest the charge unsuccessfully.

Walsh in the Bad Books After Suncorp Melee

Over at Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos' title defence was officially put to bed by a red-hot Newcastle outfit, who ran out 30-6 winners to cement the defending premiers as a bottom-eight side for 2026.

The temperature spiked in the 25th minute when an all-in melee spilled over the sidelines, with Reece Walsh and Knights forward Jermain McEwen both marched to the bin.

Walsh was sanctioned for pulling the dreadlocks of Knights winger Dominic Young, while McEwen was punished for running in from distance and escalating the biffo. 

Both stars have been hit with $1000 fines, with the figure jumping to $1500 if they choose to fight the charges at the judiciary.

McEwen's Double Trouble

The Knights second-rower didn't stop there. McEwen was back in the MRC's sights again in the 73rd minute, charged with grade one dangerous contact on Broncos’ playmaker Ezra Mam.

That's another $1000 fine on top of the sin-bin sanction, capping off a costly night at the office for the Novocastrian enforcer.

What It Means for the Run Home

With the finals race heating up, the fines will sting more than the suspensions for most of those charged. Penrith will breathe easy knowing Leota can play on with an early plea, while the Raiders will do the same for Tapine as they cling to slim finals hopes.

For the Broncos, Walsh's availability was never in doubt – but the Suncorp meltdown will linger longer than the fine after a season-ending loss to the Knights.

Keep an eye on all the latest NRL markets and player specials at Sportsbet as the 2026 finals picture takes shape.