Tyrell Fuimaono facing five-week suspension after hip drop tackle rules Eels winger Haze Dunster out for season

Dragons forward Tyrell Fuimaono looks set to miss the first month of the NRL season, after the match review committee came down hard on his 'hip drop' tackle which ended the season of Eels youngster Haze Dunster.

Fuimaono, who carries the weight of substantial carryover points after receiving a five-match ban for a sickening high shot on Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenyhuyzen in Magic Round last season, is facing another five weeks on the sideline with an early guilty plea.

The grade three dangerous contact charge could carry a seven week suspension were he to fight it and lose.

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Despite the suspension, Fuimaono was one of the Dragons' better players last year, in what was albeit a disappointing campaign.

The Eels confirmed that Dunster would miss the entire 2022 season after rupturing his anterior, medial and posterior ligaments.

"Haze will undergo surgery in the coming days and then will begin an extended rehabilitation period," a club statement read.

In the Sharks 34-6 loss to Penrith, Braydon Trindall was charged with a grade two careless high tackle and will miss two matches with an early guilty plea, while Franklin Pele will miss one game for a shoulder charge.

Tautau Moga, the other player put on report during the late game, escaped with a fine.

Before the suspension was handed down, both Braith Anasta and Greg Alexander came to the player's defence on Fox League's broadcast.

"I actually don't think that was intentional," Anasta said.

"I don't think it was a stereotypical hip-drop (tackle), I don't think he meant it, he was just trying to get him to the ground."

"He did throw himself at the legs, (but) Dunster, the way he ran, he almost dragged Fuimaono around with him," Alexander said.

"He hit and spun. Technically, it was a hip-drop (tackle), but I think there are mitigating circumstances there for Tyrell Fuimaono."

The Dragons would eventually win the trial match at Commbank Stadium 26-22.

Anthony Griffin's men wrap up their pre-season next Saturday in Mudgee, when they play Souths in the Charity Shield.