Nat Butcher, a forward for the Sydney Roosters, has been cited by the NRL’s match review committee for a careless high tackle during Thursday night’s match against the Penrith Panthers.
Butcher was put on report for a tackle on Penrith Panthers’ forward Matthew Eisenhuth in the second half, where his tackle slipped high.
The match review committee opted to charge Butcher with a Grade 1 careless high tackle, making him eligible for a fine.
As it is Butcher’s first offence within a rolling 12-month period, he could be fined $1000 with an early guilty plea or $1500 if he chooses to contest the charge at the judiciary, potentially scheduled for Tuesday night.
Penrith forward Luke Garner may also feel fortunate not to have been charged by the match review committee despite being penalized, but not placed on report, for a crusher tackle during the 23rd minute of the match, which Penrith won 22-16.
Garner’s tackle resulted in the Roosters appearing to score in the following set, only for the try to be controversially disallowed by the bunker due to an obstruction.
No other players were reported or charged from the game, making Butcher’s fine the sole disciplinary action in Round 4.
Butcher has until Saturday at midday (AEDT) to decide whether to accept the early guilty plea or challenge the tackle at the judiciary.