Judiciary news

Bulldogs winger Matt Utai is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after being charged with a grade-two careless high ackle.

Utai made the tackle during his side's 32-10 victory over the Wests Tigers. Utai became the first player sent off in 270 matches when referee Paul Simpkins gave him his marching orders for a 55th minute hit on rookie Tigers hooker Stuart Flanagan.

The New Zealand flanker faces a five-match ban if he enters an early guilty plea and will be sidelined for seven matches if he unsuccessfully contests the charge. Bulldogs teammate Jarrad Hickey will be suspended for one match unless he beats a grade one careless high tackle charge for his 36th minute hit, also on the luckless Flanagan.

Brisbane rookie Joel Moon has been charged with contrary conduct following allegations he stomped on Cronulla captain Brett Kimmorley in yesterday's match. He will escape suspension with an early guilty plea.

Broncos teammate Casey McGuire was charged with a grade two striking charge and will be sidelined for a week with an early guilty plea or a fortnight if he unsuccessfully contests the charge.

North Queensland veteran Paul Bowman will need to beat a grade one striking charge to avoid a one-match suspension, while Penrith's Matthew Cross will be free to play against Canberra on Saturday night despite earning a grade one careless high tackle charge during his side's loss to New Zealand Warriors.