Hetherington back in doghouse after eighth charge in 38 games

Bulldogs forward Jack Hetherington has been charged an eighth time in his 38-game career while front-row teammate Dylan Napa was also charged with two separate offences by the match review committee.

Hetherington was charged with a grade-one careless high tackle on Wests Tigers prop Alex Twal, and was also sin-binned for the offence during Sunday’s 28-16 loss.

Under the normal rules Hetherington could have escaped with a fine, but his poor disciplinary record means he will miss the next two games with a guilty plea, and possibly three should he fight the charge at the judiciary.

Canterbury coach Trent Barrett said after the game: “He’s been put on report about six times for no charges; you can’t tackle high, but I didn’t think it was deserved of 10 minutes.”

Bulldogs skipper Josh Jackson was overheard telling the referee the ten-minute spell for Hetherington was “harsh”.

The 25-year-old Hetherington has plenty of promise and plays an excellent physical game, but his reputation is becoming a concern. He missed five games earlier in the season for collecting North Queensland’s Valentine Holmes high.

In the Doghouse, again ... Jack Hetherington.Credit:NRL Photos

He was clearly frustrated in the second half against the Tigers and was penalised for shoving backrower Luciano Leilua to the ground off the ball.

Napa was also pinged for a high tackle on Thomas Mikaele, as well as a dangerous contact charge for a tackle on Tigers skipper James Tamou, and is facing three weeks out.

The competition cellar-dwellers are already without international front-rower Luke Thompson whose three-week dangerous contact ban ends after this weekend.

Bad Dog - Jack Hetherington’s rap sheet

2021

Round 21: careless high tackle on Alex Twal (two/three matches)

Round 12: careless high tackle on Isaah Yeo ($3050)

Round 6: careless high tackle on Valentine Holmes (five weeks)

2020

Round 13: careless high tackle on Marty Taupau (four weeks)

Round 10: dangerous contact on Blayke Brailey (no matches)

2018

Round 22 careless high tackle on AJ Brimson (two matches)

Round 12: dangerous high contact on Paul Vaughan (one match)

Round 9: dangerous contact head/neck on Shaun Fensom (one match)

The NRL introduced a loan system for any club struggling to field players in key positions. But the NRL confirmed the Dogs would not be able to bring in front-row enforcements because their prop shortage was caused by suspensions rather than injuries.

The Warriors will have their own front-row issues with Matt Lodge and Kane Evans both facing suspensions, including the latter who will receive a one-match ban for throwing a few punches at Cronulla protagonist Will Chambers.

The Sydney Roosters have already taken the early plea for Angus Crichton, who will miss three games for a crusher tackle on NSW Origin teammate and Penrith forward Liam Martin.

Christian Nicolussi covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.

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