League: Junior Warrior charged for spitting blood

Footage shows James Bell step forward after playing the ball, and with blood visible around his mouth, spit at opposing Knights lock Joseph Boyce. Photo / YouTube

Warriors Under 20s player James Bell has been charged with spitting following Sunday's match against the Newcastle Knights.

The young forward was hit with the contrary conduct charge on Monday by the NRL's match review committee for the incident which occurred in the 58th minute of the Warriors' 40-34 loss at Hunter Stadium.

Footage of the incident shows Bell step forward after playing the ball, and with blood visible around his mouth, spits at opposing Knights lock Joseph Boyce.

The severity of the charge has seen Bell referred straight to the judiciary on Wednesday night.

"He's a good boy and we've never had any problems with him," said Warriors general manager of football Dean Bell.

"It's a bit of a surprise that he's up for this charge but at the same time we don't know what we're going to do yet. We'll have a look at the footage and talk to James himself and then make a decision on what sort of action we're going to take as far as the charge itself."

Team-mate and replacement forward Jazz Tevaga was also charged with grade one striking, but will be free to play next weekend with an early plea.