St George Illawarra winger Madison Bartlett has been banned for one match after pleading guilty to biting Eels five-eighth Sereana Naitokatoka in last Sunday's NRLW clash at WIN Stadium.
Represented by her father Todd Bartlett, the Dragons winger argued her actions were a 'reflex clench' rather than a voluntary action after Naitokatoka's bicep came in contact with her face in the 38th minute.
Naitokatoka tackled Bartlett and appeared to have her left arm wrapped across the St George Illawarra winger's face as she held her on the ground.
Despite no on-field complaint made, the incident was referred directly to the judiciary by the match review committee.
NRL counsellor Lachlan Gyles requested a 2-3 week ban for Bartlett, taking into consideration the length of the NRLW season.
However, the judiciary panel of Tony Puletua, Tarsha Gale and Dallas Johnson agreed on only a week's ban, allowing the Dragons winger to continue to play in the NRLW from round four.
Bartlett charged with biting
Bartlett joined the Dragons this season after playing for the Warriors in 2019 and 2020 and scored a try on debut for her new club against the Titans last week.
The 27-year-old was named in NRL.com's Round 2 team-of-the-week for her performance against the Eels, in which she made 98 metres from 10 runs with the ball in wet conditions at WIN Stadium.
Naitokatoka was charged with a grapple tackle on Bartlett in the same incident but has escaped with a warning and will be free to play the Titans on Sunday.
House goes on report
It's a double blow for the Dragons ahead of this weekend's blockbuster clash against Brisbane with back-rower Kody House also sidelined after accepting a one-match ban for a shoulder charge.
House will miss the match against her former club for the first half incident, also on Naitokatoka.
The Dragons have won their opening two matches and face the other unbeaten team but in a boost are set to welcome back captain Kezie Apps (hand) and centre Jaime Chapman (HIA) after missing the 10-0 triumph against Parramatta.
| Player/Club | Charge | Plea | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Bartlett (Dragons) | Dangerous contact (biting) | Guilty | 1 week |
| Sereana Naitokatoka (Eels) | G1 Dangerous contact (head/neck) | Official Warning | Warning |
| Kody House (Dragons) | G1 Dangerous contact (shoulder charge) | Guilty - Early Plea | 1 week |