NRL Match Review and Judiciary News Summary:
Star Dragons forward Ryan Couchman has been referred straight to the judiciary on a Dangerous Contact charge for a hip drop on Eels front rower J’maine Hopgood.
Cowboys centre Tom Chester has received a one game ban for high contact on Titans halfback Jayden Campbell.
In-form Newcastle forward Trey Mooney has also received a one-match suspension following a Grade 2 Dangerous contact charge – which sees the already depleted Knights lose another player.
Raiders prop Josh Papalii has also received a one-match ban for a careless high tackle against the Bulldogs in Round 3.
Ryan Couchman Faces Long Stint on the Sidelines After Hopgood Hip Drop
Up and coming Dragons forward Ryan Couchman faces an extended stint on the sideline following a hip drop tackle on Parramatta prop J’maine Hopgood.
While the incident looked to be accidental, Hopgood sustained an ACL injury that will put him out for the rest of the season.
This will likely be taken into consideration when Couchman is charged, leading back to the debate on whether outcome should outweigh intent when it comes to suspension length.
Couchman looked visibly apologetic during the telecast, however he stands to sit out for an extended period due to the extent of Hopgood’s injury.
His fate will be decided this Tuesday evening, prior to Round 4.
Newcastle’s Woes Deepen as Trey Mooney Faces Ban
The Newcastle Knights have looked strong to start the season under new coach Justin Holbrook.
However, after injuries to captain Kalyn Ponga and star recruit Dylan Brown, their depth is being tested early in the season.
On top of that, in-form front rower Trey Mooney will likely be suspended for one-match after a dangerous contact charge in their loss to the Warriors.
Knights teammates Dane Gagai and Phoenix Crossland were lucky to escape any ban after receiving $1000 fines from incidents in the same match.
Cowboys Centre Chester to Miss Showdown with Melbourne Storm
North Queensland youngster Tom Chester will miss Round 4 with a one-match suspension following a careless high tackle on the Gold Coast’s Jayden Campbell.
This comes at a bad time for the Cowboys, who need all the help they can get against the Melbourne Storm who will be out for revenge after their first loss of the season.
Chester will likely return to face the Dragons at Jubilee Stadium in Round 5.
Canberra captain Joseph Tapine and Bulldogs halfback Lachlan Galvin received Grade 1 Careless High Tackle charges following Thursday's game and have been fined.
Brisbane outside back Kotoni Staggs pleaded guilty to a Grade 1 Careless High Tackle charge following Friday's win over Melbourne and was fined $1000.
Over Ten Players Received Fines From the NRL Match Review Committee In Round 3
A swathe of players across the league have been fined for all manner of misdemeanours on the field.
This is a weekly occurrence, however continued nitpicking by the Match Review Committee raises questions over whether players on lower income levels can afford to be paying $1000s of dollars in fines throughout the season over accidents on the field.
Sam Verills, Joe Tapine, Lachlan Galvin, Kotoni Staggs, Phoenix Crossland, Dane Gagai, Blayke Brailey, Jesse Ramien, Api Koroisau and Latrell Mitchell are among the players to receive hefty fines over the weekend.
According to the NRL, judiciary fine funds are reinvested into player wellbeing and development initiatives – potentially a missed opportunity to spend it all on the NRL’s end of year Christmas party. out the season over accidents on the field.
Sam Verills, Joe Tapine, Lachlan Galvin, Kotoni Staggs, Phoenix Crossland, Dane Gagai, Blayke Brailey, Jesse Ramien, Api Koroisau and Latrell Mitchell are among the players to receive hefty fines over the weekend.
According to the NRL, judiciary fine funds are reinvested into player wellbeing and development initiatives – potentially a missed opportunity to spend it all on the NRL’s end of year Christmas party.