Canberra fullback Jack Wighton has been charged with a grade two shoulder charge from the match against the Wests Tigers yesterday.
The offence carries a base penalty of 350 points but, because the player has two prior offences in the last two years, it increases to 490 points.
With an early plea the penalty can be reduced to 367 points.
Match Review Committee Coordinator Michael Buettner said there was a clear difference in the tackle performed by Sharks hooker Michael Ennis who was not charged and the Wighton tackle.
"We look for three key indicators when determining whether a shoulder charge has been made," Mr Buettner said.
"They are:
1. The upper arm of the defender must be tucked in to his side at contact.
2. The defender is making no attempt to wrap in the tackle with both arms
3. There is forceful contact by the defender to any part of the body of the attacking player.
"If all three of these indicators are clearly identified in an incident then a player will be charged with a shoulder charge.
"In the case of Michael Ennis, it’s very clear that the left arm of Ennis is away from his body and not tucked into his side.
"So no charge was laid.
"In the Wighton incident the MRC was satisfied that all three indicators were present and so a charge has been laid."
An NRL spokesman said Wighton could appeal the charge or the grading at the Judiciary if he chose to do so.
