Round 18 Charges

Three Cronulla players, including skipper Paul Gallen, have been charged by the NRL match review committee in the aftermath of the Sharks' surprise loss to the Roosters on Saturday.

Gallen, rookie halfback Anthony Watts and winger Misi Talaupapa were all hit with contrary conduct charges following an all-in brawl midway through the second half of the 23-12 defeat.

Gallen was hit with a grade one charge for a headbutt on Roosters forward Shane Shackleton, the incident sparking a melee which involved all 26 players on the field. Watts and Talaupapa were handed grade two charges for running in to join the fight, all three players facing a minimum one game ban with early guilty pleas.

Manly centre Steve Matai will get a two match suspension with an early plea after being charged with headbutting and Souths halfback Jeremy Smith one game for striking.