The NRL has clarified the reasons behind charging Reed Mahoney following the tunnel altercation with Jack Hetherington.

The NRL has provided clarification regarding the charges against Canterbury hooker Reed Mahoney following Sunday’s incident at Accor Stadium. Mahoney was hit with a grade one contrary conduct charge, while Jack Hetherington received a grade two contrary conduct charge and a one-game ban.

Despite Mahoney being seen as wanting no part in the tunnel confrontation, he was charged due to his actions on the field, which led to both players being sin-binned. NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley emphasized that Mahoney is only accountable for his on-field behavior, while Hetherington’s higher-grade charge as a result of both on-field and off-field actions.

Annesley commended the decision to sin-bin both players to prevent further escalation of the situation. He condemned Hetherington’s choice to continue the scuffle off the field, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and emphasizing players’ responsibility to go straight to the dressing room when sin-binned.

Mahoney and the Bulldogs are yet to accept his $1000 fine for the charge.