Sam Walker has avoided a charge from the Match Review Committee despite being sent to the sin-bin for what was deemed to be "dangerous contact" on David Klemmer.
The Sydney Roosters halfback was featuring in the NRL for the first time this season after recovering firstly from an ACL injury and then a broken thumb.
However, he had a mixed time of it against St George Illawarra as he was sent to the bin in the first half, before returning to the fold to boot a field goal and set up a try for Billy Smith during his side's 31-24 win.
Meanwhile, Izack Tago will spend some time on the sidelines after being charged for a hip-drop tackle during Penrith's win over Parramatta. The centre avoided any scrutiny during the game but did not avoid focus from the MRC.
The Sporting News provides all the latest NRL Judiciary news from Round 19 below.
MORE: Lachlin Galvin dropped as Bulldogs edge Cowboys, ‘Tackled their arses off’
Izack Tago banned for hip-drop tackle
Tago has accepted a one-match ban after being charged for dangerous contact on Kitione Kautoga.
The Panthers star wasn't penalised for the tackle during the game that left the Eels backrower out of action for the rest of the contest.
However, he will now miss his side's Round 20 clash against South Sydney after taking the early guilty plea. for the grade two charge.
Sam Walker avoids charge while Jacob Kiraz is cited
On a busy Saturday, five players did draw the attention of the MRC.
Walker's teammate, Mark Nawaqanitawase, has been cited for making dangerous contact on Valentine Holmes, although the cross-code star can escape with a financial penalty by taking an early guilty plea.
Tyrell Sloan and Sione Finau also came under focus within the game as the Dragons' wingers were also charged with making dangerous contact to opposition players in the first stanza.
Walker gets binned for this dangerous tackle 🗑️
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 12, 2025
📺 Watch #NRLDragonsRoosters on ch. 502 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/DpWjk3nwa5
✍️ BLOG: https://t.co/wS0RsFQEaM
🔢 MATCH CENTRE: https://t.co/PaotUQSGmJ pic.twitter.com/MYkx3l7kkZ
Meanwhile, Jacob Kiraz has avoided a suspension after being put on report from a shoulder charge on Braidon Burns during Canterbury's win over North Queensland.
Finally, Phoenix Crossland is facing a hefty fine after being charged with dangerous contact on Jahrome Hughes.
If the Newcastle utility opts to fight the charge and is found guilty, he could be sidelined for two matches due to a poor disciplinary record.
Full Round 19 NRL Judiciary charge list, results
Player | Team | Charge | Opponent | Early plea | Guilty at panel |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tyson Smoothy | Broncos | Crusher Tackle (Grade 1) | Phillip Sami | $1,000 | |
Izack Tago | Panthers | Dangerous Contact (Grade 2) | Kitione Kautoga | 1 match | |
Leka Halasima | Warriors | High Tackle - Careless (Grade 1) | Charlie Staines | $1,000 | |
Jacob Kiraz | Bulldogs | Shoulder Charge (Grade 1) | Braidon Burns | $1,000 | |
Mark Nawaqanitawase | Roosters | Dangerous Contact (Grade 1) | Valentine Holmes | $1,000 | |
Sione Finau | Dragons | Dangerous Contact - Tripping (Grade 1) | James Tedesco | $1,000 | |
Tyrell Sloan | Dragons | Dangerous Contact (Grade 1) | Lindsay Collins | $1,000 | |
Phoenix Crossland | Knights | Dangerous Contact (Grade 1) | Jahrome Hughes | $3,000 |