The NRL Match Review Committee has handed down three charges from Friday night’s Round 21 fixtures, with Coen Hess, Karl Lawton, and Brendan Piakura all cited for separate incidents.
Cowboys forward Karl Lawton is facing a two-match suspension after pleading guilty to a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge on Jaydn Su’A in the 51st minute. Lawton’s prior offences mean he will miss three matches if he contests the charge and is unsuccessful.
Hess, also from the Cowboys, was hit with a Grade 1 Careless High Tackle for a 26th-minute incident on Mathew Feagai. He took the early plea and will pay a $1,800 fine.
Broncos second-rower Brendan Piakura was charged with a Grade 1 Careless High Tackle for a 63rd-minute hit on Zac Lomax. He too accepted the early plea, resulting in a $1,800 fine.
| Player | Date | Round | Club | Time (Min) | Incident | Grade | Discount Eligible | Early Plea | Panel Outcome | Victim |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coen Hess | 25/07/2025 | 21 | Cowboys | 26th | High Tackle – Careless | 1 | No | $1,800 fine | $2,500 if guilty | Mathew Feagai |
| Karl Lawton | 25/07/2025 | 21 | Cowboys | 51st | Dangerous Contact | 2 | No | 2 matches | 3 matches | Jaydn Su’A |
| Brendan Piakura | 25/07/2025 | 21 | Broncos | 63rd | High Tackle – Careless | 1 | No | $1,800 fine | $2,500 if guilty | Zac Lomax |
