O'Donnell charged with ungraded striking

Wests Tigers forward Luke O'Donnell could face a hefty stint on the sideline after being charged with striking by the National Rugby League judiciary. O'Donnell's charge was ungraded and referred straight to the judiciary, meaning he will have no opportunity to enter an early guilty plea and must appear at Wednesday night's hearing.

Judiciary commissioner Jim Hall considered the matter too severe for the grading system. The Tigers back rower has been charged following an incident involving Canberra's Michael Monaghan in the 58th minute of Saturday night's game at Leichhardt Oval, won 15-8 by the Raiders.

Monaghan suffered a broken jaw and requires surgery. Last season North Queensland prop Tim Maddison was charged with a similar offence, resulting in him receiving a 10-match suspension.