The Eels will be sweating on the match review committee after J’maine Hopgood was sin-binned for a controversial high shot on Storm lock Alec MacDonald.

Just 30 second into their season opener, MacDonald was knocked out after stepping into a tackle from Hopgood, who also appeared to cop a head knock in an unfortunate tackle gone wrong.

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Michael Ennis noted that the contact was initiated by a late step from MacDonald right before the line.

“That’s heavy contact, he is in big trouble,” Ennis said on Fox League.

“That was instantaneous. You just saw him completely just lose all motion poor Alec MacDonald, who is as tough as nails.

“He steps at the last minute and drops into the shoulder there of J’maine Hopgood.”

Andrew Voss did not believe Hopgood had any intent in the high shot.

“MacDonald out and Hopgood staggered away as well,” Voss added.

“This is interesting because I feel Hopgood should be off for a HIA as well.

“If you can establish any form of intent from Hopgood I can’t.”

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J’maine Hopgood was sin-binned for a high shot on Alex MacDonald.Source: FOX SPORTS

However, referee Todd Smith consulted the Bunker and later decided to send Hopgood to the bin.

“It is direct and forceful contact to the head, on report and in the bin,” Smith said.

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However, Eels skipper Mitchell Moses pointed out that Hopgood also copped a knock to the head, asking: “But what about his head?”