MRC make surprise call out of Storm-Eels game

The Match Review Committee has made a call on J'maine Hopgood's controversial high tackle in the Parramatta Eels' loss to the Melbourne Storm last night. 

Hopgood has been hit with a Grade 2 high tackle charge in the first minute of the match.

The high tackle resulted in Hopgood being sent to the sin-bin after he was deemed to have illegally hit Storm forward Alec McDonald above the shoulders.

An early plea will see Hopgood miss one match due to suspension.

If he is found guilty at the panel, the Eels prop will miss two matches as a result.

It wasn't the start to the match the Eels were hoping for, as they went on to be beaten 52-4 by the Storm despite scoring the first try while Hopgood was in the bin. 

Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi was sent for an HIA in the 31st minute despite no penalty to the Eels for high contact.

The tackle was not forwarded to the MRC, despite replays showing Stefano Utoikamanu had made contact with his head in the tackle.