SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – North Queensland Cowboys hooker Karl Lawton has received a two-match suspension following a dangerous tackle on Sydney Roosters back-rower Siua Wong during Sunday’s Round 16 clash at Allianz Stadium, a game the Roosters convincingly won 42-8.
The incident occurred in the 19th minute, when Lawton, acting as the third man into the tackle, targeted Wong’s legs. His intervention forced Wong’s left knee into an unnatural position, leaving the Tongan international writhing in pain and unable to continue.
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Initial assessments suggest Wong may have suffered an MCL injury, with renowned physiotherapist Brien Seeney (NRL Physio) predicting a “multi-week recovery.”
Lawton was handed a grade-three dangerous contact charge by the NRL match review committee on Monday. Given his clean disciplinary record, he has been offered a two-game suspension with an early guilty plea—but could face three matches out if he chooses to contest the charge and is unsuccessful.
The incident drew the ire of rugby league legend Andrew Johns, who didn’t hold back during commentary. “I hate that third man in, absolutely hate it,” Johns said, comparing it to the 2022 tackle that ended Liam Knight’s season and calling for rule changes to address the risk of serious injury from unseen low tackles.
To further compound concerns for the Roosters, five-eighth Sandon Smith also failed to finish the match after sustaining a knee injury in the second half while assisting a try by James Tedesco. He will undergo scans to determine the extent of the damage.
The tackle on Wong went unpunished during the match, as referee Ashley Klein did not award a penalty, adding to the controversy.
With Wong potentially facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and Smith under assessment, the Roosters’ injury toll could cast a shadow over their dominant win. The incident has reignited debate over the legality and safety of third-man-in tackles, with increasing calls for tougher sanctions and rule reform.
