Match Review Committee Hands Down Round 4 Saturday Charges
Viliame Kikau, Lachlan Galvin, Mitch Kenny and Manaia Waitere have been charged by the NRL Match Review Committee following Saturday’s Round 4 matches in the 2026 NRL season.
There were no charges from Friday night’s matches, before the Match Review Committee handed down four charges on Saturday, including a suspension threat for Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny.
Kenny’s tackle on Isaiah Iongi is of particular concern, with the Eels fullback suffering a suspected syndesmosis injury from the incident.
Match Review Committee Charges
| Player | Club | Incident | Grade | Early Plea | Panel Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viliame Kikau | Bulldogs | Dangerous Contact on Tyson Frizell | Grade 1 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Lachlan Galvin | Bulldogs | Dangerous Contact on Mat Croker | Grade 1 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Mitch Kenny | Panthers | Dangerous Contact on Isaiah Iongi | Grade 2 | 1 match | 2 matches |
| Manaia Waitere | Storm | Careless High Tackle on Scott Drinkwater | Grade 1 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
Key Charge
Mitch Kenny (Panthers)
Kenny faces the most serious sanction after being charged with Grade 2 Dangerous Contact following an incident involving Isaiah Iongi in the 43rd minute.
The tackle has drawn added scrutiny after leaving Iongi with a suspected syndesmosis injury.
- Early Plea: 1-match suspension
- If Guilty at Panel: 2-match suspension
Other Charges
Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs)
Kikau has been charged with Grade 1 Dangerous Contact following an incident involving Tyson Frizell.
- Early Plea: $1,000 fine
- If Guilty at Panel: $1,500 fine
Lachlan Galvin (Bulldogs)
Galvin faces a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact charge, with this being his second offence on record, involving Mat Croker.
- Early Plea: $1,800 fine
- If Guilty at Panel: $2,500 fine
Manaia Waitere (Storm)
Waitere has been charged with a Grade 1 Careless High Tackle following contact involving Scott Drinkwater.
- Early Plea: $1,000 fine
- If Guilty at Panel: $1,500 fine
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 charges will be heard early next week.
