Lewis Dodd, a recent acquisition for the Rabbitohs, is facing potential suspension following a sin-bin incident during the Charity Shield match against the Dragons. The halfback was penalised for a high tackle on Sione Finau under a new pre-season rule allowing the Bunker to review actions within 15 minutes for disciplinary measures. Dodd’s infringement occurred in the 28th minute, prompting a report for a grade two careless high tackle.
Finau, who managed to score four tries in the first half, briefly continued playing before leaving the field due to heat stroke and subsequently undergoing a Head Injury Assessment (HIA). Dodd’s sin-binning marked him as the first player to be sanctioned under this trial rule, which will not be implemented in the regular season.
If Dodd accepts the early guilty plea, he will miss one match; if his club contests the charge and fails, he faces a two-match suspension. Despite an early 34-0 lead for the Dragons, the Rabbitohs made a strong comeback in the second half, but the Dragons ultimately maintained control and secured the win, demonstrating solid teamwork, particularly from co-captain Clint Gutherson. As the season approaches, the Dragons are keen to focus on their campaign ahead, opening against the Bulldogs on March 8.