Bradford Bulls and ex-Warrington Wolves star Dec Patton out for over TWO MONTHS following mammoth ban

Featherstone Rovers forward Tyla Hepi has been banned for three games for punching during the club’s game against Leigh Centurions.

Hepi, alongside Leigh centre Nene MacDonald, received that hefty punishment last night as it was a busy night for the tribunal.

Disciplinary news: Featherstone Rovers’ Tyla Hepi has also been banned for 3 games for punching (Grade D) during the same Rovers versus Leigh Centurions match. pic.twitter.com/49h66nGsCu

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) August 9, 2022

And, last but not least, former Warrington Wolves and current Bradford Bulls star Dec Patton has been handed a mammoth seven match ban.

The RFL tweeted: “Disciplinary news: Bradford Bulls’ Dec Patton must serve a 7 match suspension after being found guilty of a Grade E gouging offence committed during his side’s recent match against Halifax panthers. He has also been fined £250.”

Disciplinary news: Bradford Bulls’ Dec Patton must serve a 7 match suspension after being found guilty of a Grade E gouging offence committed during his side’s recent match against Halifax panthers. He has also been fined £250. pic.twitter.com/0CQH3GhEkZ

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) August 9, 2022

Following the latest round of Betfred Championship, Betfred League One, Betfred Women’s Super League, Academy and Scholarship fixtures, the Match Review Panel issued the following sanctions last week:

George Hough (Bradford Bulls Academy) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
George Hough (Bradford Bulls Academy) – Grade B Foul Language to Referee – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Dec Patton (Bradford Bulls) – Grade E Gouging – Refer to Tribunal
George Flanagan (Bradford Bulls) – Grade A Disputes Decision – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Nene MacDonald (Leigh Centurions) – Grade D Punching – Refer to Tribunal
Tyla Hepi (Featherstone Rovers) – Grade A Stands On Intentional – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Tyla Hepi (Featherstone Rovers) – Grade D Punching – Refer to Tribunal
Pat Moran (Rochdale Hornets) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Zac Baker (Rochdale Hornets) – Grade D Dangerous Throw – Refer to Tribunal
Gavin Bennion (Rochdale Hornets) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Brad Holroyd (Swinton Lions) – Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Luke Broadbent (Whitehaven) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Jessica Matthews (Featherstone Rovers) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice

With Hepi and MacDonald banned for three games and Patton seven, it’s been a very busy night for the Operations Tribunal, with Zac Baker’s decision still to be revealed.