Sydney Roosters forward Nat Butcher faces charges from the NRL’s match review committee for a careless high tackle during Thursday night’s match against the Penrith Panthers.
Butcher was placed on report for a tackle on Penrith Panthers forward Matthew Eisenhuth during the second half, which resulted in a slip and a high contact.
The match review committee has opted for a Grade 1 careless high tackle charge against Butcher, making him eligible for a fine.
As it marks his first offence within a rolling 12-month period, Butcher could 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.
Penrith forward Luke Garner may also consider himself fortunate not to have faced charges from the match review committee after receiving a penalty for a crusher tackle during the 23rd minute of the game. Despite the incident not resulting in a report, it stirred controversy as it led to the Roosters’ apparent try, later disallowed due to an obstruction.
No other players were reported or charged from the game, with Butcher’s fine being the only disciplinary action stemming from Round 4.
Butcher has until Saturday at midday (AEDT) to decide whether to accept the early guilty plea or challenge the tackle charge at the judiciary.
