Parramatta Eels star Dylan Brown has been suspended for one match after being cited for making contact with referee Gerard Sutton during Monday’s 30-12 loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs—an incident that has sparked strong backlash, particularly from Eels halfback Mitchell Moses, who accused the NRL judiciary of “making up their own charges.”
The 23-year-old five-eighth pleaded guilty to a grade-two contrary conduct charge after bumping into Sutton while chasing a kick. The referee had his back turned, and Brown’s focus appeared to be on the ball as he ran into position. Although the contact was unintentional, the match review committee imposed the charge, triggering a firestorm of criticism from within Parramatta’s camp.
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Parramatta has a bye in Round 15, so Brown will serve his suspension in Round 16 when the Eels face the Gold Coast Titans.
Speaking from New South Wales’ State of Origin camp, Moses expressed disbelief over the decision.
“He’s competing for the ball with his eyes up—what’s he supposed to do, pull out of the play? It’s ridiculous,” Moses said. “No player means to run into a ref, and now we’re down one of our best for just doing his job.”
Adding fuel to the controversy is the recent inconsistency in judiciary decisions. While Melbourne’s Jahrome Hughes was suspended in 2024 for similar contact, Wests Tigers halfback Jarome Luai made contact with referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski in Round 14 without facing any charge. That disparity has intensified frustration among players and fans alike.
“The judiciary is all over the shop,” Moses added. “Dylan’s one of the nicest guys on the field—never involved in anything like this. There’s not a bad bone in him.”
Brown had maintained a clean disciplinary record for the past three years, further fueling debate over the necessity and fairness of the punishment.
The Eels, who remain in contention for a top-eight finish, will now need to recalibrate their strategy without their key playmaker as they prepare for a crucial phase of the season.
Meanwhile, the NRL judiciary is once again under scrutiny over transparency and consistency in disciplinary rulings.
