“A number of issues” – Super League star wants big RFL change

The Super League disciplinary saga has taken plenty of twists as the Rugby Football League (RFL) held an independent operational rules tribunal to consider seven cases including that of Salford Red Devils star Ryan Brierley.

Hull FC confirmed that their two players who appeared at the tribunal had their charges reduced. Franklin Pele was charged with a Grade E head contact and Ligi Sao with a Grade D offence following an incident with Matt Parcell.

Pele was found guilty of the head contact charge which usually carries a minimum charge of four games, but he was only banned for three and fined £750. This is different from the treatment Liam Watts received for a similar offence, who received a four-game ban. The Match Review Panel had referred this case to the tribunal as a Grade E charge.

Meanwhile, Hull FC appealed Ligi Sao’s Grade D offence, which was downgraded to a Grade B. He will receive a one-match ban and a £250 fine, which means he will miss the game against Warrington Wolves this weekend. Pele and Herman Ese’ese will also miss the game with bans while the Wolves will be without Jordy Crowther due to a suspension.

On the other hand, Ryan Brierley will be available for Salford Red Devils’ next match after his Grade C Head Contact charge was downgraded to B on appeal. However, he will be fined £250.

Salford Red Devils star backs up Super League star

Following this Brierley has shown his keen eye for the wider picture rather than just focusing on this controversy.

The fullback has backed up Alex Walmsley’s comments about a players’ union in Rugby League Live saying there’s a “number of issues” that need to be addressed as talk of a players strike emerges.

Brierley said on X: “Love the article by Alex Walmsley this week, I think we do need to pull the trigger on this and have a genuine attempt at the players union. Couldn’t agree more with what he said and I think players need to back it.

“This isn’t a knee jerk reaction to the tackle height changes, It’s a number of issues players want to have an opinion on, from insurances, retirement funds, pensions, clubs paying for surgeries etc to logistical things such as players only getting 2 tickets to away games where you have to choose between your family and children, compulsory time off after the season.

“It sounds daft but it’s exactly how the NRL started, now there players union is stronger than ever. I think the start would be all 12 captains getting together and at least having a conversation to take to the RFL and see how we can work together a lot more effectively for the game to become bigger and better for everyone, players and fans included.”