Victor Radley Faces One-Game Ban
Roosters forward Victor Radley has received a one-game ban from the NRL match review committee after being reported for the fourth time in two weeks. The incident occurred during the ninth minute of the game on Friday night when Radley delivered a high tackle that directly hit his opponent’s head. He made no attempt to lower his body height, resulting in a Grade 2 careless high tackle charge.
This is the fourth time Radley has been placed on report in just two weeks. However, he controversially avoided any charges last weekend despite two high tackles and a hip-drop. This time, the match review committee ruled it a Grade 2 careless high tackle, which carries a one-game ban if he pleads guilty early or two games if the Roosters challenge at the judiciary and fail.
Radley has been floated as an option to play in the State of Origin for NSW, and the one-game ban means he remains eligible despite missing the Roosters’ last game before teams are picked.
Controversial Decisions and Escapes
Fellow NSW hopeful Josh Addo-Carr escaped a charge completely for a tackle that accidentally caused serious damage to Queensland halfback Tom Dearden’s ankle in Parramatta’s win over the Cowboys. Similarly, Titans forward Mo Fotuaika escaped with a $3,000 fine for a hip-drop tackle, ensuring his availability for Queensland selection.
Titans Coach Claims NRL Admitted to Wrong Call
There was significant controversy in the Roosters’ 28-12 victory after their first try appeared to be a blatant knock-on from Robert Toia. The on-field referee awarded it as a try, and the Bunker official took an extended period before finally confirming it.
The Bunker official seemed to believe there was no clear separation between the ball and Toia’s arm, despite the fact that the ball clearly came out of his hand. Under the interpretation used in 2026, there must be clear separation from the arm even if the ball leaves the hand.
Speaking after the game, Titans coach Josh Hannay revealed he had already been contacted by the NRL to admit it was a mistake. “We’ve already had some officials come and tell us that it was the wrong call,” Hannay said. “I don’t know how you look at it, slow it down. I was looking at the same pictures, so I just don’t know how you get that wrong.”
“It’s hard to get the decision right (when it is) live all the time, but when you have the technology we have in the game today, I just don’t understand how they sort of ruled that a try. You say it didn’t impact the outcome but how do we know? How do we know? It’s frustrating.”
