Match Review Committee Hands Down Multiple Round 5 Charges
Heilum Luki, David Fale, Hame Sele and AJ Brimson have been charged by the NRL Match Review Committee following Saturday’s Round 5 matches in the 2026 NRL season.
The St George Illawarra Dragons had two players charged, including Fale who is facing a suspension, while multiple dangerous contact incidents were picked up across the day’s matches.
Match Review Committee Charges
| Player | Club | Incident | Grade | Early Plea | Panel Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heilum Luki | Cowboys | Dangerous Contact on Toby Couchman | Grade 1 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| David Fale | Dragons | Dangerous Contact on Murray Taulagi | Grade 2 | 1 match | 2 matches |
| Hame Sele | Dragons | Crusher Tackle on Murray Taulagi | Grade 1 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| AJ Brimson | Titans | Dangerous Contact on Kotoni Staggs | Grade 1 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
Players Charged in Round 5 (Saturday)
- Heilum Luki – Dangerous Contact (Grade 1)
- David Fale – Dangerous Contact (Grade 2)
- Hame Sele – Crusher Tackle (Grade 1)
- AJ Brimson – Dangerous Contact (Grade 1)
Key Charge
David Fale (Dragons)
Fale faces the most serious sanction after being charged with Grade 2 Dangerous Contact following an incident involving Murray Taulagi.
- Early Plea: 1-match suspension
- If Guilty at Panel: 2-match suspension
Other Charges
Heilum Luki (Cowboys)
Luki has been charged with Grade 1 Dangerous Contact following contact involving Toby Couchman.
- Early Plea: $1,800 fine
- If Guilty at Panel: $2,500 fine
Hame Sele (Dragons)
Sele faces a Grade 1 Crusher Tackle charge after an incident involving Murray Taulagi.
- Early Plea: $1,500 fine
- If Guilty at Panel: $2,000 fine
AJ Brimson (Titans)
Brimson has been charged with Grade 1 Dangerous Contact following contact involving Kotoni Staggs late in the match.
- 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.
