NRL Judiciary News – Round 23 Recap:

- Cameron Munster's Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge has been downgraded to Grade 1 following an updated medical report on Taniela Paseka.

- The Melbourne Storm five-eighth is now free to play in Round 25 after avoiding suspension.

- Munster faces a $750 fine, rising to $1,000 if found guilty at the judiciary.

- All other MRC penalties handed down from Round 23 remain unchanged.

MRC Backflips on Munster's Grade 2 Charge

Munster was initially slapped with a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact offence for his involvement in a tackle that saw Manly forward Taniela Paseka's right leg bend awkwardly inside the opening 30 minutes of the Storm's Round 24 fixture.

As the fourth man into the tackle, Munster's actions were flagged by the MRC after Paseka failed to return to the field. 

The initial medical report submitted by the Sea Eagles painted a serious picture of the injury – enough to justify the higher grading.

However, a follow-up report from Manly told a very different story, prompting the MRC to reassess the charge and issue an amended Notice of Charge under Rule 61 of the NRL Judiciary Code.

What the NRL Said

In a statement explaining the decision, the NRL confirmed the review process was triggered by the updated medical information.

"When initially ascribing a grading to Melbourne Storm's Cameron Munster for the charge of Dangerous Contact, the MRC considered the contents of a Medical Report provided by the injured player's club which offered preliminary details as to the nature and extent of the injury," the NRL said.

"Subsequently, the Match Review Committee has received a further report which materially alters the nature and extent of the injury suffered by the player.

"Pursuant to Rule 61 of the NRL Judiciary Code, where further expert or medical information warrants a different grading, the Match Review Committee may authorise the Match Review Manager to amend the grading and issue an amended Notice of Charge.

"Following due consideration of this Report, the Match Review Committee has reviewed the charge against Cameron Munster and, in accordance with the Judiciary Code, has forwarded the player an amended Notice of Charge for the offence of Dangerous Contact (Grade 1)."

What It Means for the Storm

The downgrade is a huge win for Craig Bellamy's men, who just remain in the mix at the pointy end of the NRL’s finals race. 

Munster's amended Grade 1 charge now carries a $750 fine – rising to $1,000 should he contest the charge and lose at the judiciary.

Crucially, the Storm's chief playmaker is now available for Round 25, keeping their slim finals hopes intact with the Queenslander steering the ship.

Other MRC Penalties

All other charges handed down from the round remain in place. Jason Saab, Patrick Carrigan, Morgan Knowles, Kotoni Staggs, Sean Keppie and Jack De Belin were each hit with fines for varying Grade 1 offences.

With the finals fast approaching, punters can jump onto the latest NRL markets, futures and Premiership odds at Sportsbet.