The NRL Match Review Committee has handed down its final judiciary findings of the 2025 season, with four players charged following Sunday night’s Grand Final between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm.
Broncos star Reece Walsh headlines the list after being cited for a Grade 1 careless high tackle on former teammate Xavier Coates in the 20th minute. Due to it being his third and subsequent offence within three years, Walsh has received a $3,000 fine and a two-match suspension, ruling him out of the opening rounds of the 2026 NRL season.
Storm forward Trent Loiero, who was charged during the preliminary final, found himself in trouble again — this time for a Grade 2 careless high tackle on Brendan Piakura late in the match. Loiero’s second offence attracts a two-match ban with an early guilty plea, meaning he’ll also miss the start of next year.
Meanwhile, Jahrome Hughes (Storm) and Brendan Piakura (Broncos) have both received fines for minor Grade 1 offences, with no suspensions incurred.
NRL Grand Final Judiciary Charges
| Player | Date of Offence | Round | Club | Minute | Charge / Incident | Grade | Record | Early Plea | Guilty at Panel | Misconduct On Whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reece Walsh | 5/10/2025 | GF | Broncos | 20th | High Tackle – Careless | 1 | 3rd & Subsequent Offence | $3,000 | 2 | Xavier Coates |
| Jahrome Hughes | 5/10/2025 | GF | Storm | 28th | High Tackle – Careless | 1 | 1st Offence | $1,000 | 0 | Brendan Piakura |
| Brendan Piakura | 5/10/2025 | GF | Broncos | 77th | Dangerous Contact | 1 | 2nd Offence | $1,800 | 0 | Ryan Papenhuyzen |
| Trent Loiero | 5/10/2025 | GF | Storm | 78th | High Tackle – Careless | 2 | 2nd Offence | 0 | 2 | Brendan Piakura |
