Challenge Cup Finalists bailed out of suspension by teammates says Jon Wilkin

After the Match Review Panel met yesterday 11 players were charged from Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Warrington Wolves, St Helens and even Leigh Leopards.

The reason the Leopards are significant is due to their Challenge Cup Final against Hull KR at Wembley this weekend.

Unlike their opponents Hull KR who rested everyone, the Leopards played a strong team against Leeds creating anxiety about potential bans and when Matt Davis lifted Luke Hooley into a dangerous position there was no doubt worry from him.

However, he avoided a ban and he may have his teammates to thank.

Speaking on this moment on Sky Sports, Bill Arthur said: “Matt Davis has flattened Aiden Sezer there, it’s going to be a penalty. Sezer is back up on his feet, I’m not sure he was hurt badly but it was late enough.”

However, Phil Clarke claimed it wasn’t late but a fair challenge responding to Arthur saying: “It’s a fair challenge.”

This came as Jon Wilkin branded it a shoulder charge: “I think the issue that he’s got is that he doesn’t wrap his arms or make an attempt to wrap his arms, so the accusation there would be that it’s a shoulder charge.

“In terms of the timing it’s not late, the issue is that it didn’t look like he had any intent to wrap his arms around Aiden Sezer as he kicked it. It’s a penalty.

“It’s the first bit of ill discipline and it comes from Matt Davis and there’s no need. Just slow yourself down and make a tackle in an orthodox way then that’s not a penalty.”

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Charges

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