NRL Judiciary Rules on Braidon Burns Challenge

North Queensland Cowboys winger Braidon Burns has been cleared to participate this weekend after his careless high tackle charge was downgraded at the NRL judiciary.

During the Las Vegas season opener against the Newcastle Knights, Burns received a penalty and was sin-binned for a high tackle on Kalyn Ponga, which involved direct shoulder-to-head contact.

The NRL match review committee confirmed this assessment the next day, issuing a Grade 2 charge against Burns in their official documentation.

Since this was a second offence, Burns faced a possible two-match suspension if he pleaded guilty, or three matches if he contested the charge at the judiciary.

Burns attended the judiciary on Tuesday night, admitting to a careless high tackle but aimed to have the charge reduced to Grade 1, which carries a mere $1,800 penalty, and he was successful.

This case is notably recent following Nathan Cleary's similar success in downgrading a high shot charge, with his father and coach Ivan Cleary representing him. It also highlights ongoing controversy over high tackles early in the season.

Amid this backdrop, Stephen Crichton appeared to evade punishment for a high tackle in Las Vegas, while J'maine Hopgood awaits suspension for what looked like a head clash in the first game in Australia between the Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm.

Braidon Burns was confirmed to play against the Wests Tigers on Saturday, and he will take his place, with 20th man Robert Derby remaining in the squad but unlikely to see playtime.