Wests Tigers fullback Heath Mason has come under scrutiny following an incident in which he appeared to shove referee Gerard Sutton during the team’s 28-10 defeat to the Manly Sea Eagles. The contact occurred as Mason was jogging, which raised questions about his intent to interfere in the play. This clash happened moments before players Corey Waddell and Luke Brooks nearly scored for Manly.
Commentator Andrew Voss remarked on the severity of Sutton’s fall, highlighting the physicality involved. This incident marked the second time over the weekend that a referee was knocked down, following a similar occurrence with Grant Atkins during a Thursday match between the Bulldogs and Panthers.
Voss suggested that Mason’s contact with Sutton was less of an accident compared to Leota’s unintentional collision with Atkins. He stated, “It’s not a bump … on report you go,” indicating that Mason’s actions warranted formal attention. The Match Review Committee (MRC) agreed, as Mason was handed a grade two contrary conduct charge the following morning, resulting in a proposed one-match suspension. If he opts to contest the charge and is unsuccessful, he faces an additional week on the sidelines.
Mason was not the only player in the spotlight; Knights lock Phoenix Crossland also received a fine for a careless high tackle during his side’s narrow 22-18 loss to the Raiders.