Sydney Roosters forward Nat Butcher faces scrutiny from the NRL’s match review committee following a careless high tackle incident during Thursday night’s game 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’s his first offense within the rolling 12-month period, Butcher can pay a fine of $1000 with an early guilty plea, or $1500 if he contests the charge at the judiciary, potentially scheduled for Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Penrith forward Luke Garner escaped scrutiny from the match review committee despite a penalty – without being placed on report – for a crusher tackle during the 23rd minute of the game, which Penrith won 22-16.
Garner’s tackle resulted in the Roosters scoring what seemed like a try in the following set, only for it to be controversially disallowed by the bunker due to an obstruction.
No other players received reports or charges from the match, with Butcher’s fine marking the only disciplinary action to kick off Round 4.
Butcher has until midday Saturday (AEDT) to decide whether to accept the early guilty plea or challenge the tackle at the judiciary.
