NRL Judiciary

North Queensland Cowboys star Reuben Cotter has successfully had his charge downgraded and will now play the Sharks in week one of finals.

League legends were stunned he was even penalised, but Latu Fainu’s controversial charge resulted in a hefty ban.

The Tigers copped a significant blow at the judiciary in a controversial case but countering that, one of their biggest names got a reprieve.

Lehi Hopoate faces at least one week on the sideline for this collision with the referee, punching a significant hole in Manly's electric back five.

Manly's dominant win over reigning premiers Brisbane has come at a cost, with hooker Brandon Wakeham set for a stint on the sidelines.

Ryan Couchman was hit with a four-game ban for an accidental tackle. A week later, Mitch Kenny copped a lighter punishment.

Phil Gould has broken down the incident that led to a four-week ban, describing the tackle as "an accident" and hitting out at the judicial process.

The fallout has continued from Reece Walsh's headbutt on Hudson Young, with one league great taking a cheeky dig at the Raiders star.

Phil Gould and Cameron Smith have both urged the NRL to overhaul the match review committee system after the latest saga.

Phil Gould wants to see changes made after Jack Wighton was handed a month-long suspension for a shoulder charge.