The former NRL and English Super League forward was suspended for two Newcastle Rugby League matches but had been facing double the time on the sidelines after being sent off for his part in an on-field fight late in Saturday’s 22-16 victory over Cessnock.

Tilse’s prior clean record in the competition, midway through his second season at Maitland since finishing with Hull KR, saw the former Canberra and Knights front-rower receive a 25 percent reduction.

Along with a further 25 percent decrease for entering an early guilty plea, the 33-year-old has halved his potential time away from the Pickers, who now share second spot with Saturday’s opponents and fellow round-nine winners Souths.  

Cessnock’s Kurt Warden, who was also sent off after the same incident and copped an identical charge from the NSW Rugby League match review committee, plead guilty on Wednesday but has disputed the severity of the grading and will face the judiciary next week.    

But with recent prior offences and depending on the outcome, Goannas prop Warden could miss anything up to eight games for his second suspension this year.   

Cessnock teammates Paul Carter (offensive language) and Joe Bromage (dangerous throw) were scheduled to face the Newcastle RL judiciary on Wednesday night.  

Carter will already miss Saturday’s Coalfields derby with Kurri Kurri after pleading guilty on Wednesday to a low-grade reckless/careless high-tackle charge, but will front the panel about a separate offensive language incident from full-time on the weekend.

Bromage pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to a low-grade dangerous throw from the 51^st minute of Saturday’s clash at Cessnock Sportsground. Submitting an early guilty plea would have seen him suspended for one fixture.  

PREVIOUS: Cessnock players with cases to answer at judiciary  

WEEKEND: Keenan produces clutch play for Wests