Thompson hit with third high tackle charge

St George Illawarra forward Joel Thompson is facing a one-week ban for his controversial high shot that broke Blake Austin’s nose in Thursday’s golden point win over Canberra.

It is the third time in just eight games this year Thompson has been stung by the NRL match review committee for a careless high tackle.

Thompson had just come back from a one-game suspension for a similar indiscretion on Sydney Roosters forward Aidan Guerra three weeks ago, which he successfully downgraded at the judiciary.

The MRC slapped Thompson with a grade one charge on Friday, however two previous similar offences increased the points charge to 112.

With 52 carryover points, Thompson will miss one game if he takes the early guilty plea.

He’ll miss two matches if he fights the charge and loses.

Thompson’s first offence came in a tackle on Penrith utility Will Smith in round four, however he didn’t miss a match after taking the early guilty plea.

The NRL also confirmed on Friday that the MRC will release a charge sheet within 24 hours of completed matches, effective immediately.

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