The NRL’s Match Review Committee (MRC) has wasted no time after Thursday night’s Round 26 clash, with three players charged following the heated Bulldogs–Panthers contest.
Zac Lipowicz Charged on Debut
Panthers debutant Zac Lipowicz found himself in hot water just 23 minutes into his first NRL match, charged with Dangerous Contact (Grade 1) for an incident involving Matt Burton. With an early guilty plea, Lipowicz faces a $1,000 fine.
Jacob Preston’s Costly Trip
Bulldogs forward Jacob Preston was pinged for Dangerous Contact – Tripping (Grade 1) on Mavrik Geyer in the 4th minute. Already holding a prior record, Preston’s penalty is steeper — an $1,800 fine with an early plea, or $2,500 if found guilty at panel. Preston scored a hat-trick in the Bulldogs scrappy win over the Panthers.
Kurt Mann Also Cited
Utility Kurt Mann also fell foul of the committee, charged with a Careless High Tackle (Grade 1) on Jesse McLean midway through the first half. His punishment: a $1,000 fine (early plea) or $1,500 if contested unsuccessfully.
| Player | Club | Round | Date of Offence | Minute | Charge / Incident | Grade | Record | Result | Early Plea | Guilty at Panel | Misconduct On |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Preston | Bulldogs | 26 | 28/08/2025 | 4th | Dangerous Contact (Tripping) | 1 | 2nd Offence | tba | $1,800 | $2,500 | Mavrik Geyer |
| Zac Lipowicz | Panthers | 26 | 28/08/2025 | 23rd | Dangerous Contact | 1 | 1st Offence | tba | $1,000 | $1,500 | Matt Burton |
| Kurt Mann | Bulldogs | 26 | 28/08/2025 | 37th | High Tackle – Careless | 1 | 1st Offence | tba | $1,000 | $1,500 | Jesse McLean |
