The NRL's Match Review Committee pulled up North Queensland Cowboys strike centre Tom Chester following a high shot on Dolphins winger Selwyn Cobbo.
On the stroke of half-time, with the game still in the balance, Chester made a cover tackle on Cobbo and clipped him high 10 metres out from his goal-line.
The incident was reviewed, and Chester was charged with a grade 1 careless high tackle, and given it was his third and subsequent offence, he was smacked with a $3000 fine.
Chester was lucky not to be sent to the sin bin for the action, with further viewing on replay indicating a level of force around the ears.
If Chester decides to fight the early plea, he will face the panel to argue his case. If the 25-year-old were to lose his plea, he will then be suspended for two matches for his misconduct.
Chester has been enjoying career-best form this year at the Cowboys and is building a deadly centre combination with Jaxon Purdue, adding strike on both sides of the park.
The local Townsville-junior is in his fourth year in the top grade after injuries plagued his ability to remain on the park, and is already enjoying his longest season to date.
Chester and Cobbo came face-to-face earlier in the first half when the Cowboys centre was awarded a dubious try. Cobbo dislodged the ball from Chester's grip but was awarded to have re-gained possession as he was falling over the line.
Selwyn Cobbo knocked the ball free from Tom Chester's arm as he went over for a try... but the ball spun and landed perfectly under his other hand for a legal grounding!
You make your own luck! Even Chester could hardly believe it!
📸 - Fox League
Hear every NRL match, live… pic.twitter.com/kwIg0KyxJC
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) June 6, 2026
The Cowboys will enjoy the luxury of a long turnaround courtesy of a bye this weekend. Meanwhile, the Dolphins will travel to Moore Park to face the Sydney Roosters, which shapes up as a blockbuster clash.
