LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL's match review committee has charged Penrith Panthers' hooker Mitch Kenny for a hip drop tackle on Roosters' forward Nat Butcher, which went unnoticed by on-field officials and the bunker during their game on Saturday evening.
Despite Butcher being able to get up and continue playing, Kenny has been charged with a Grade 2 offence.
This charge is considered more serious and is typically in line with players who are sin binned on field.
As this is Kenny's second offence within a 12-month period, he is facing a two-game suspension with an early guilty plea, or three matches if he chooses to fight the charge and is unsuccessful.
The incident was missed during the game, but the match review committee decided to take action after reviewing the footage.
The report states that Kenny "appeared to commit a clear hip drop tackle" on Butcher.
Despite Butcher being able to play on after the incident, he later had to leave the game due to an MCL injury, while Kenny continued to play.
Kenny's penalty reflects the seriousness of the offense and shows that actions deemed dangerous during the game will not go unpunished.
The NRL's commitment to player safety and fair play is highlighted through these disciplinary measures, ensuring that all players are held accountable for their actions on the field, regardless of whether they were initially penalized during the game.
The consequences for Kenny serve as a reminder to all players that dangerous tackles will not be tolerated in the NRL, and any violations will be investigated and punished accordingly.