LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Toafofoa Sipley's NRL career appears to be nearing its end after receiving a Grade 2 dangerous contact charge from the match review committee. The Manly Sea Eagles forward was penalized for a cannonball tackle on St George Illawarra Dragons' David Klemmer early in the second half of a crucial match that helped maintain the Sea Eagles' finals aspirations at Kogarah.
Due to the charge, Sipley, who already has three offences on his record within the last 12 months, faces a potential three-game suspension if he pleads guilty early. If he chooses to contest the charge and loses, the suspension could extend to four games. Sipley has confirmed plans to join the English Super League next year, meaning his only opportunity to play this season hinges on either challenging the charge successfully at the judiciary or the Sea Eagles advancing deep into the finals, with only one regular-season game left.
In contrast, Jack de Belin received favorable news from the MRC, as he avoided any charges and is set to participate in the upcoming match against the Penrith Panthers. This will be his last game as a Dragon before transitioning to the Parramatta Eels next season.
Additionally, the MRC reported no charges from the day's earlier match, where the Canberra Raiders clinched the minor premiership with their win over the Wests Tigers. However, there were two fines issued from the Brisbane Broncos' victory against the North Queensland Cowboys. Cowboys winger Braidon Burns received a Grade 1 dangerous contact charge stemming from an incident involving Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh in the seventh minute.