Following the intense Round Six clash against the North Queensland Cowboys, St George Illawarra Dragons duo Jayden Sullivan and Sean Keppie have found themselves under scrutiny from the NRL Match Review Committee. Both players have been charged for separate incidents that occurred during the heated encounter, adding further tension to what was already a physically demanding match.
Jayden Sullivan, who has been a dynamic presence in the Dragons’ spine this season, was cited for a Grade One Dangerous Contact charge. The incident in question occurred during the second half, when Sullivan made contact with a Cowboys player in a tackle deemed careless rather than malicious. While it did not result in any injury, the Match Review Committee found the contact avoidable and issued a monetary fine. As it stands, Sullivan can accept an early guilty plea, which would see him fined $1,000 and allow him to play in Round Seven. However, should he contest the charge and lose, the fine would increase.
Sean Keppie’s situation is slightly more serious. The forward has been charged with a Grade Two Careless High Tackle following a shot late in the first half that connected with a Cowboys attacker’s head. While no sin bin or on-field penalty was awarded at the time, post-match review footage highlighted the force and lack of control in Keppie’s tackle. As this is a higher-grade charge, Keppie is facing a one-match suspension if he enters an early guilty plea. A not guilty plea and failed challenge at the judiciary could result in a longer suspension, further impacting the Dragons’ forward depth.
The Dragons’ coaching staff now face some important decisions ahead of their next match. With the team already navigating injuries and the challenges of an inconsistent start to the season, losing key players like Sullivan or Keppie — even for a game — could disrupt team momentum. The club is expected to make a decision on whether to accept the early guilty pleas by the league’s set deadline, as they weigh the risks of a judiciary hearing against the importance of player availability.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the Dragons respond, both on and off the field, as they aim to bounce back and build consistency in the coming rounds.