Queensland prop Shannon Mato is set to pay a $400 fine to play in the women's State of Origin decider after being charged for pulling Yasmin Clydsdale's hair in game two.
Mato went on report for tugging Clydsdale's ponytail as she attempted to tackle the NSW second-rower in the first half of the Maroons' 11-10 win in Newcastle on Thursday night.
The match review committee charged Mato with grade-one contrary conduct, which as a second offence, carries a one-match ban with an early guilty plea.
But the Australian Rugby League Commission amended its women's judiciary code in 2022 to allow players to accept a monetary penalty instead of receiving a one-match ban for grade-one offences.
Per those changes, Mato can accept a $400 fine and be available for the decider of the inaugural three-match women's series, to be played in Townsville on June 27.
Mato risks missing two games, which would include the first round of the NRLW season, if she chooses to plead her case at the judiciary.
After game two, Queensland coach Tahnee Norris felt hair pulls were a reality of women's rugby league.
"It's unfortunate, girls have got long hair, that's what happens," she said.
Maroons forward Keilee Joseph was not charged for her high shot on Jess Sergis just before half-time.
Sergis fell awkwardly and corked her left leg in the tackle but finished the game after returning from her head injury assessment.
