Reuben Cotter appears set to miss the State of Origin opener after being charged by the match review committee, following an incident during the Cowboys’ thrilling 30-26 defeat against the Warriors at Magic Round.
During the early stages of the game, the 26-year-old struck opponent Marata Niukore, a tackle that seemed relatively innocuous at first glance.
Although no penalty was awarded at the time, and the Warriors capitalised immediately with a try from halfback Luke Metcalf, Cotter was subsequently placed on report.
However, on Sunday morning, the Maroons representative was handed a grade two careless high tackle charge and is now facing a potential two-match suspension.

Reuben Cotter’s tackle on Marata Niukore. Fox League
If Cotter challenges the charge and is unsuccessful at the judiciary, he would face a three-match ban, which would see him ruled out of the opening clash against NSW on May 28.
As it stands, the lock forward will be absent for the next two fixtures of North Queensland should he opt for an early guilty plea.
In other news, the only other incident from Saturday’s matches at Suncorp Stadium saw Rabbitohs front-rower Tevita Tatola receive a grade one careless high tackle charge.
Tatola will cop a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea.
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