Cronulla Sharks captain Dale Finucane has been charged by the NRL judiciary following a head clash with Penrith Panthers centre Stephen Crichton on Saturday.
The 30-year-old now faces up to three matches on the sideline (or two matches with an early guilty plea) with his dangerous contact deemed a Grade 3 offence.
Finucane's hit - which occurred in the 72nd minute of the Sharks' 20-10 loss to the reigning premiers - left Crichton with a gruesome ear injury.
Crichton also hit the ground after the contact, consequently leaving the field for a HIA.
Notably, a penalty was not given on the field following the controversial tackle, even after consultation with the bunker.
The Blues centre has had stitches put in and is now set for a visit to the plastic surgeon, with a solid chance he will return to action next round.
Match Highlights - #NRLPanthersSharks 🎥
— NRL (@NRL) July 23, 2022
The Panthers prevailed with a challenging 20-10 win over the Sharks! pic.twitter.com/tlZOf3hDT1
Panthers second-rower Viliame Kikau has also been charged following the game for his shoulder charge on Connor Tracey.
He will have to pay a $1,500 fine if he pleads guilty to the Grade 1 offence, or face up to a $2,000 fine.
Following the later match between Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs, Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been charged for two separate Grade 1 offences on Cameron Murray - a high tackle and dangerous contact.
The Melbourne enforcer will face a $3,000 fine for each incident with an early guilty plea, or up to two matches per offence if he decides to contest.
