In a major boost to Cronulla's premiership chances, Nicho Hynes' charge for a hip-drop tackle against the Bulldogs has been downgraded - meaning he'll be available in week one of the finals.
Souths playmaker Jamie Humphreys has also found himself in hot water for a hip-drop tackle on a Roosters forward.
Meanwhile, Nelson Asofa-Solomona could be on track for an early holiday after he was hit with a significant suspension for a shot on Ben Talty.
Read on for all the Round 27 Judiciary news:
Hynes charge downgraded
Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes' original charge of grade two dangerous contact on Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya in the closing stages of his side's 24-6 win on Saturday, has been downgraded to a grade one.
The incident forced Montoya from the field with a right ankle injury, with the match review committee now confirming the charge.
Hynes now faces a $1,000 fine with an early guilty plea, but if the Sharks appeal and fail, their star playmaker would be handed a $1,500 fine.
This ruling comes as a massive relief for the Sharks who will now get to keep Hynes on the park as they prepare for an elimination final against the Roosters.
Humphreys set for delayed start to 2026
The Rabbitohs look set to be without Jamie Humphreys for the start of next season after the halfback was charged over a hip-drop tackle.
Humphreys was sent to the sin bin following the tackle on Siua Wong early in the second half of South Sydney's Friday night loss to the Roosters.
He's since been charged with grade two dangerous contact, meaning he'll miss two matches with an early guilty plea, or risk a third if he wishes to fight the charge.
Victor Radley and Sean Keppie were also charged with high shots from the match and will be $1,000 lighter in the pocket if they take the early guilty plea.
Big NAS in trouble
Nelson Asofa-Solomona's season is in serious jeopardy after he was charged with a grade two careless high tackle for a hit on Broncos prop Ben Talty.
The Storm enforcer was sent to the sin bin late in the first half of Melbourne's loss to Brisbane, swinging the momentum firmly in the Broncos' favour.
If he accepts the early plea, Asofa-Solomona will miss three matches, possibly ending his season. A failed challenge would guarantee an early off-season for the towering forward.
It's a familiar scenario for the 29-year-old, who recently returned from a two-week suspension for dangerous contact on Manly's Jake Simpkin.
He began 2025 on the sidelines due to suspension and now faces the prospect of finishing the season the same way after another costly moment of ill-discipline.
In his absence the Broncos scored on either side of the half-time break, underlining just how dire this incident could prove to be.
MORE: Has Big Nelson become too big a problem for Craig Bellamy?
Full Round 27 NRL Judiciary charge list, results
| Player | Team | Charge | Opponent | Early plea | Guilty at panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Smithies | Raiders | Dangerous Contact (Grade 1) | Josh Kerr | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Nicholas Hynes | Sharks | Dangerous Contact (Grade 1) | Marcelo Montoya | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Teig Wilton | Sharks | High Tackle - Careless (Grade 1) | Lachlan Galvin | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Sean Keppie | Rabbitohs | High Tackle - Careless (Grade 1) | Robert Toia | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Jamie Humphreys | Rabbitohs | Dangerous Contact (Grade 2) | Siua Wong | 2 matches | 3 matches |
| Victor Radley | Roosters | High Tackle - Careless (Grade 1) | Jack Wighton | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Nelson Asofa-Solomona | Storm | High Tackle - Careless (Grade 2) | Ben Talty | 3 matches | 4 matches |
| Josiah Karapani | Broncos | High Tackle - Careless (Grade 1) | Ryan Papenhuyzen | $1,000 | $1,500 |