Match Review Committee Hands Down Final Round 3 Charges
Ryan Couchman, Sam Verrills and Tom Chester have been charged by the NRL Match Review Committee following Sunday’s Round 3 matches in the 2026 NRL season.
Couchman’s incident has been referred directly to the NRL Judiciary, while Verrills and Chester were both charged for careless high tackles during their respective matches.
Chester faces a suspension with an early guilty plea, while Verrills is facing a financial penalty.
Match Review Committee Charges
| Player | Club | Incident | Grade | Early Plea | Panel Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Couchman | Dragons | Dangerous Contact on J’maine Hopgood | Referred to Judiciary | Hearing Required | Hearing Required |
| Sam Verrills | Titans | Careless High Tackle on Tom Chester | Grade 1 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Tom Chester | Cowboys | Careless High Tackle on Jayden Campbell | Grade 2 | 1 match | 2 matches |
Key Charges
Ryan Couchman (Dragons)
Couchman has been charged with Dangerous Contact following an incident involving J’maine Hopgood in the 28th minute.
The matter has been referred directly to the NRL Judiciary, meaning the charge will be determined at a hearing rather than through the standard early plea system.
Tom Chester (Cowboys)
Chester has been charged with a Grade 2 Careless High Tackle following an incident involving Jayden Campbell late in the match.
- Early Plea: 1-match suspension
- If Guilty at Panel: 2-match suspension
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.
The referral involving Ryan Couchman will automatically proceed to a judiciary hearing.
