Parramatta Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown is facing a one-match suspension after being charged with contrary conduct for making contact with referee Gerard Sutton during his side’s 30-12 defeat to the Canterbury Bulldogs in Round 14 of the NRL.
The incident occurred in the first half, when Brown collided with Sutton while chasing through on a kick. The NRL match review committee reviewed the footage and determined the contact warranted a grade-two contrary conduct charge — a mid-range offence under league disciplinary guidelines. While the committee could have opted for a fine, the seriousness of the contact led to the formal charge.
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Brown now has the option of accepting an early guilty plea, which would see him miss one match, or challenging the charge at the judiciary. A failed challenge would increase the ban to two matches. Parramatta have a bye in Round 15, meaning Brown is likely to serve the suspension during their Round 16 clash against the Gold Coast Titans.
The Eels are expected to welcome back halfback Mitchell Moses for that match, as he returns from New South Wales State of Origin duty.
The incident draws comparisons to previous cases, including Melbourne Storm’s Harry Grant and Cronulla’s Will Kennedy, both of whom served suspensions last season for making contact with referees.
Meanwhile, Moses has avoided any judiciary scrutiny for a high tackle on Kurt Mann during the same game. On the Bulldogs’ side, second-rower Viliame Kikau was sin-binned for dangerous contact to Moses’ legs during a kick and now faces a fine.
Prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita was also charged for a first-half shoulder charge on Jack Williams but can escape suspension with a financial penalty.
Brown’s case will add to the ongoing discussion around player responsibility and referee protection in the NRL, as the league continues to enforce strict standards on conduct involving match officials.
