Cody Walker, Panthers star both cop bans from NRL Match Review Committee

Veteran Rabbitohs halfback Cody Walker has learned his fate after a brain explosion in last night’s 36-14 loss to Penrith.

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Sin binned and placed on report by referee Chris Butler for kicking Panthers half Jack Cogger in the first half, Walker has been slapped with a one-match ban by the NRL Match Review Committee if he takes the early guilty plea. 

Given Walker was hugely apologetic for his actions after the match, it seems unlikely the Bunnies will fight the charge — but if they do and lose Walker would miss the club’s next two NRL matches against the Knights and Raiders.

In a fateful twist, however, the Panthers star at the centre of the Walker incident has copped an even bigger ban of his own.

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Deputising for Nathan Cleary who is in camp with the NSW Blues ahead of the Origin decider next Wednesday, Jack Cogger, 28, was charged by the MRC with a Grade 2 careless high tackle on Rabbitohs young gun Ashton Ward later in the same game.

Cogger is staring at two matches on the sidelines with an early guilty plea, rising to three matches if he unsuccessfully fights the charge.

NRL MRC charges from Round 18 Friday fixture @PenrithPanthers @SSFCRABBITOHS pic.twitter.com/zw6DnZiwuV

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— Rugby League Central (@NRLMedia) July 4, 2026