Match Review Committee Hands Down Final Magic Round Charges
Dane Gagai, Arama Hau, Preston Riki, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Loko Pasifiki Tonga Jnr and Luciano Leilua have been charged by the NRL Match Review Committee following Sunday’s Magic Round matches in the 2026 NRL season.
Riki is facing suspension due to his poor judiciary record, while Khan-Pereira was sin binned during the Warriors’ clash with Brisbane following a high tackle on Jesse Arthars.
Match Review Committee Charges
| Player | Club | Incident | Grade | Early Plea | Panel Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dane Gagai | Knights | Dangerous Contact on AJ Brimson | Grade 1 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Arama Hau | Titans | Dangerous Contact (Tripping) on Fletcher Sharpe | Grade 1 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Preston Riki | Broncos | Dangerous Contact on Taine Tuaupiki | Grade 1 | $3,000 | 2 matches |
| Alofiana Khan-Pereira | Warriors | Careless High Tackle on Jesse Arthars | Grade 1 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Loko Pasifiki Tonga Jnr | Dragons | Shoulder Charge on Moses Leota | Grade 1 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Luciano Leilua | Dragons | Dangerous Contact on Isaah Yeo | Grade 1 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
Players Charged in Round 11 (Sunday)
- Dane Gagai – Dangerous Contact (Grade 1)
- Arama Hau – Dangerous Contact (Tripping) (Grade 1)
- Preston Riki – Dangerous Contact (Grade 1)
- Alofiana Khan-Pereira – Careless High Tackle (Grade 1)
- Loko Pasifiki Tonga Jnr – Shoulder Charge (Grade 1)
- Luciano Leilua – Dangerous Contact (Grade 1)
Key Charge
Preston Riki (Broncos)
Riki faces the most serious sanction from Sunday’s matches after being charged with Grade 1 Dangerous Contact following an incident involving Taine Tuaupiki.
Due to it being a third and subsequent offence, the Broncos forward is facing a suspension.
- Early Plea: $3,000 fine
- If Guilty at Panel: 2-match suspension
Khan-Pereira Sin Binned
Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Warriors)
Khan-Pereira was sin binned just before half-time following his high tackle on Jesse Arthars during the Warriors’ clash with Brisbane.
The winger was subsequently charged with a Grade 1 Careless High Tackle.
- Early Plea: $1,000 fine
- If Guilty at Panel: $1,500 fine
Dragons Duo Charged
The Dragons had two players charged from Sunday’s action:
Loko Pasifiki Tonga Jnr
- Incident: Shoulder Charge on Moses Leota
- Early Plea: $1,500 fine
Luciano Leilua
- Incident: Dangerous Contact on Isaah Yeo
- Early Plea: $1,800 fine (second offence)
Other Charges
Dane Gagai (Knights)
- Dangerous Contact on AJ Brimson
- Early Plea: $1,800 fine
Arama Hau (Titans)
- Dangerous Contact (Tripping) on Fletcher Sharpe
- Early Plea: $1,000 fine
Saturday Magic Round Charges
Saturday’s Magic Round matches also produced several charges, including suspensions for Lehi Hopoate and Patrick Herbert.
| Player | Club | Incident | Grade | Early Plea | Panel Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrell May | Tigers | Careless High Tackle on Ethan Bullemor | Grade 1 | $750 | $1,000 |
| Patrick Herbert | Tigers | Dangerous Contact on Ben Trbojevic | Grade 1 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Lehi Hopoate | Sea Eagles | Contrary Conduct on Match Official | Grade 2 | 1 match | 2 matches |
| Jock Madden | Tigers | Careless High Tackle on Clayton Faulalo | Grade 1 | $750 | $1,000 |
| Patrick Herbert | Tigers | Dangerous Contact on Lehi Hopoate | Grade 2 | 2 matches | 3 matches |
| Tom Chester | Cowboys | Dangerous Contact on Pauga Fetalaiga | Grade 1 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Matthew Lodge | Cowboys | Careless High Tackle on Lindsay Collins | Grade 1 | $750 | $1,000 |
What Happens Next
Players charged by the NRL Match Review Committee must decide whether to:
- Accept the early guilty plea, or
- Challenge the charge at the NRL Judiciary panel.
Any contested matters will be heard early this week.
For full State of Origin coverage, see our series hub → /state-of-origin/2026-series/
