Match Review Committee Hands Down Final Round 5 Charges
Apisai Koroisau, Sean Russell and Luke Laulilii have been charged by the NRL Match Review Committee following the Easter Monday clash between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers in Round 5 of the 2026 NRL season.
Koroisau faces a suspension due to his prior record, while Laulilii is also facing a ban following a Grade 2 charge. Russell’s offence carries a reduced fine after being deemed eligible for a discount.
Match Review Committee Charges
| Player | Club | Incident | Grade | Early Plea | Panel Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apisai Koroisau | Tigers | Dangerous Contact on Kitione Kautoga | Grade 1 | $3,000 | 2 matches |
| Sean Russell | Eels | Dangerous Contact on Heamasi Makasini | Grade 1 | $750 | $1,500 |
| Luke Laulilii | Tigers | Dangerous Contact on Bailey Simonsson | Grade 2 | 1 match | 2 matches |
Players Charged in Round 5 (Easter Monday)
- Apisai Koroisau – Dangerous Contact (Grade 1)
- Sean Russell – Dangerous Contact (Grade 1)
- Luke Laulilii – Dangerous Contact (Grade 2)
Key Charges
Apisai Koroisau (Tigers)
Koroisau has been charged with Grade 1 Dangerous Contact following an incident involving Kitione Kautoga in the 9th minute.
Due to it being a third and subsequent offence, the Tigers hooker faces a suspension if the matter proceeds to the panel.
- Early Plea: $3,000 fine
- If Guilty at Panel: 2-match suspension
Luke Laulilii (Tigers)
Laulilii faces a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge after an incident involving Bailey Simonsson.
- Early Plea: 1-match suspension
- If Guilty at Panel: 2-match suspension
Other Charge
Sean Russell (Eels)
Russell has been charged with Grade 1 Dangerous Contact following contact involving Heamasi Makasini.
The Eels outside back is eligible for a discount due to a clean recent record.
- Early Plea: $750 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 later this week.
