Fiji prop Mitchell Prest receives the first judiciary charge of the Rugby League World Cup

Fiji prop Mitchell Prest has become the first player charged by the match review committee at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, Zero Tackle and Serious About Rugby League reported.

Prest was charged with a Grade 1 careless high tackle on Cook Islands winger Cameron Brown early in Fiji’s 40-12 win in Newcastle on Sunday 18 October. Serious About Rugby League put the incident in the eighth minute.

Zero Tackle said Prest, who had no previous offences, was handed a warning. If he chose to contest the charge at the judiciary and lost, he would be suspended for one match, according to Zero Tackle and Serious About Rugby League. Zero Tackle said it was the only charge from Sunday’s game.

Serious About Rugby League said no other player was charged in either the men’s or women’s tournament in round one, so if Prest accepts the early plea every player is available for round two. It said the World Cup follows the NRL system, with charges issued after each game rather than at the start of the week.

Prest made 64 metres from seven carries in 39 minutes against the Cook Islands, Serious About Rugby League reported. He is joining Super League club Warrington Wolves, according to Serious About Rugby League and the Warrington Guardian.

Fiji play Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 25 October at 9:05am GMT. For the match report, see Fiji beat Cook Islands 40-12.