LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL's match review committee faces criticism for perceived inconsistency in their handling of player charges, particularly highlighted by two recent incidents involving crusher tackles.
Panthers forward Moses Leota notably avoided a charge for a significant crusher tackle during the match against the Wests Tigers, despite the tackle being flagged by on-field officials at the time.
In contrast, Raiders player Zac Hosking was charged for a seemingly less severe crusher tackle against South Sydney's Keaon Koloamatangi.
The Hosking incident occurred early in the Raiders' match and resulted from an awkward position as the attacker reversed into the defender.
Despite its lesser severity, the MRC charged Hosking with a Grade 1 crusher tackle, which carries a penalty of $1,000 if he accepts an early guilty plea, or $1,500 if he chooses to contest the charge at the judiciary and is unsuccessful.
In Leota's case, the tackle was characterized as a 'lift and drop' on Tigers winger Sunia Turuva, who was engaged in play in the middle of the field.
The stark difference in the treatment of these two tackles has led to further questions about the MRC's consistency in their disciplinary actions.