When the Match Review Panel met on Monday, Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and St Helens stars landed in hot water but it wasn’t nearly as bad as the accusation facing former Wakefield Trinity winger and current Bradford Bulls star Jorge Taufua.
The winger joined Wakefield mid way through 2022 and was initially a success but things tailed off both for the club and the player.
When they went over their quota of overseas players this year with the arrival of David Fifita, Taufua headed for Bradford with Lee Gaskell following in some great business for the the Bulls.
However, Taufua was in trouble after he was charged with biting following a recent Championship game and faced a hefty punishment.
The winger was supposed to face the Operational Rules Tribunal last night to determine whether or not he was guilty and if so what punishment would fit the offence.
However, to the surprise of many this didn’t happen. Serious About Rugby League can reveal that the winger was committed to going yesterday but with the Bulls having a week off it was agreed that the tribunal could be rearranged with the ban handed out not coming into force until the 19th should that be the decision of the tribunal.
A new date is expected to be confirmed today.
The Operational Rules Tribunal still met as Newcastle Thunder star Brad Gallagher faced a Grade F charge for unacceptable language and faced the tribunal last night.
He has been found guilty and banned for six games.
The RFL made the following statement:
“Brad Gallagher of Newcastle Thunder has been suspended for six matches, and fined £500, after pleading guilty to a Grade F charge of using unacceptable language in a recent Betfred Championship fixture against Swinton Lions.
“The Grade F charge covers “verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of Unacceptable Behaviour or Language”.”
The tribunal also deals with appeals from Super League. Yesterday Brad Fash was banned for other contrary behaviour for a late contact on the kicker.
Meanwhile, James Bell and Kaide Ellis were both banned due to dangerous contact.
All three received only one match bans which is not good for all three teams as they chase a spot in the play-offs.
Wigan and Saints are gunning for the top two whilst Hull FC are chasing down rivals Hull KR and Salford Red Devils in the fifth and sixth spots.
Serious About Rugby League can confirm that there have been no appeals rising from these charges.
Furthermore, with no reserves fixtures taking place this week Wigan and Hull can’t use the week off and the loophole to dodge a suspension.
St Helens take on Huddersfield Giants this week in a fixture postponed from Round One.
Thus, James Bell will sit out the game this week as his side take on the Giants.
Thus the following charges stick:
Ben Garcia – Catalans Dragons – Dangerous Throw – B – £250 Fine
Matty English – Huddersfield Giants – High Tackle – B – £250 Fine
Olly Russell – Huddersfield Giants – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Brad Fash – Hull FC – Other Contrary Behaviour – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Darnell McIntosh – Hull FC – Dangerous Contact – B – £250 Fine
Joe Cator – Hull FC – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Sam Lisone – Leeds Rhinos – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Matt Davis – Leigh Leopards – High Tackle – B – £250 Fine
James Bell – St Helens – Dangerous Contact – B- 1 Match Penalty Notice
Daryl Clark – Warrington Wolves – Tripping – B – £250 Fine
Kaide Ellis – Wigan Warriors – Dangerous Contact – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Cautions
Jack Brown – Hull FC – Other Contrary Behaviour – N/A – N/A
