Judiciary update - Barrett, Donnelly

The NRL has granted St George Illawarra an extension until 3pm this afternoon as to how they will plead in regards to skipper Trent Barrett's grade 5 striking charge.

Barrett is facing a possible eight week suspension for his hit on Newcastle winger Brian Carney during the Dragon's 38-12 win over the Knights on Friday night at EnergyAustralia Stadium. The ban will be reduced to only six games if Barrett accepts the early guilty plea, but the suspension will be increased to eight games if the Dragons unsuccessfully fight the charge at the NRL judiciary tomorrow night.

Meanwhile, Melbourne prop Ian Donnelly has accepted a one match ban for a grade one contrary conduct charge following a tackle of Penrith's second rower Frank Pritchard at Olympic Stadium on Sunday.