New Warrington Wolves signing Mitchell Prest helped Fiji to a comfortable win over the Cook Islands on Sunday, but he has also picked up some unwanted history.

The prop made 64 metres from seven carries in a 39-minute stint in Newcastle, but the incoming Super League player has now become the first player to be charged by the judiciary at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

Copping a ‘Grade 1’ charge for a careless high tackle, Prest now has a decision to make. He can take an early plea, which will result in a warning, or he can take the challenge the decision and take it to a panel where, if found guilty, he will be suspended for one match.

Prest hit Cook Islands winger Cameron Brown high in the 8th minute of the game. This year’s tournament has different rules from Super League. Following the NRL and NRLW’s system, it means that charges are handed out after each individual game rather than a full verdict coming on a Monday.

Charges are graded by severity, with players facing the choice of accepting an early guilty plea for a reduced suspension or fines, or challenging the charge at the judiciary – which risks greater punishment.

No other charges have been handed out across the weekend in either the men’s or women’s competition, meaning that if Prest accepts the early plea, then every player will be eligible to play in week two, which features games such as England v France, New Zealand v Cook Islands and Australia v Fiji.

Prest joins the England trio of George Williams, Ben Currie and Matty Ashton in being Warrington’s RLWC involvements.

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