LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Roosters playmaker Luke Keary has found himself in hot water after a run-in with NRL referee Gerard Sutton during a nail-biting clash with Newcastle.
The controversial incident saw Keary fined $1000 by the NRL's match review committee for grabbing the referee's arm in pursuit of Knights centre Bradman Best.
In a game filled with drama, Sutton came under fire for not awarding the Knights a late penalty when Kalyn Ponga seemed to be taken down in a tackle.
Despite the contentious calls, the Roosters managed to hold on for a narrow 22-20 victory, leaving fans and players alike on edge.
The clash between Keary and Sutton was a moment that had heads turning, with Keary's actions landing him in hot water with the league's higher-ups.
It's a rule as old as time in rugby league - players must never make contact with the referees, and Keary's move was a clear violation of that code.
Despite the initial stumble after the tangle with Sutton, Keary faced the consequences the next morning when he was hit with a grade-one contrary conduct charge.
With a $1000 fine hanging over his head, the pressure is on for Keary to make a decision on whether to plead guilty and pay up or risk a higher penalty by challenging the charge.
The game of rugby league is not just about what happens on the field, but also the decisions made off it, and Keary is now facing the consequences of his actions.