Dylan Brown, the Parramatta Eels’ emerging playmaker, is looking at a one-match suspension. This follows a round 23 incident involving referee Gerard Sutton during the team’s last match, against Canterbury. The first half scare has caused some anxiety. Replays clearly indicate Brown hit Sutton as he was pursuing a kickoff return.
Brown has been charged with grade two contravention of conduct. This charge comes after receiving an ugly collision that happened during a kick chase. Because of this charge, Brown will likely be unavailable for the Eels’ next game against Gold Coast. This match is very important since it is the last game in round 16. The Eels’ bye next week will allow Brown to weigh up his options over the high tackle charge.
If Brown chooses his plea to guilty for the charge of violent conduct, he will serve the one match suspension. If he decides to contest the charge, he has a difficult uphill battle. Should he fail, he might get banned for two matches instead of one. This choice will be telling for Brown, as his staff continues to figure out the formula throughout the second half of the season.
Brown is facing the likelihood of missing games around the time that Mitch Moses is due back. Moses is under pressure right now, but he’s hard at work with the NSW State of Origin squad. Moses will rejoin the Eels ahead of Brown serving his suspension. Individually, his return will be a major boost to the squad.
This most recent event recalls other similar controversies that have swept through the league. Indeed, last year both Harry Grant and Will Kennedy copped suspensions for barraging referees. Specifically, the NRL has been proactive to protect the integrity of officiating and make sure that players behave in a respectful manner towards referees.
In other player news, Daniel Suluka-Fifita will accept a fine for a first-half shoulder charge on Jack Williams during the same match against Canterbury. After months of uncertainty, Canterbury can finally breathe a sigh of relief. They are understanding their way through a harsh season full of punishment.
So long as the Eels are still competing and getting ready for their next matches, Brown’s deplorable actions will continue to have major implications on the field. Their ability to adjust and plan around his absence while he hopefully recovers would be key. They’re looking for a speedy end to the controversy too.
