Just when Benji Marshall thought things couldn’t get any worse, the Wests Tigers look set to lose yet another backline star.
The NRL judiciary has charged fill-in Tigers fullback, Heath Mason, with Grade 2 Contrary Conduct for coming into contact with referee Gerard Sutton during the club’s 28-10 loss to the Manly Sea Eagles last night.
Mason faces a one-match ban with an early plea—but should the Tigers fight the charge and lose, the 20-year-old utility back will be rubbed out for two NRL matches.
The controversial incident happened in the 15th minute of the Round 17 match at Four Pines Park, as Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans sent a deft grubber kick into the Tigers’ in-goal.
MORE: NRL Judiciary Round 17: Brian To'o avoids charge
Coming across in cover, fullback Mason contacted Sutton in the back, sending the whistle blower sprawling to the Brookvale turf.
“The referee stops Heath Mason from getting to the ball,” Cooper Cronk said during the live coverage on Fox Sports.
“Mason is trying to get across and gets caught by the referee, there’s a bit to look at here,” he added.
Having indeed looked at it, the NRL Judiciary has acted.
Wests Tigers have until 12pm Monday to fight the charge.