A Championship player has been hit with a six-match suspension by the RFL’s Match Review Panel for grabbing testicles.
The incident occurred during the clash between Hunslet and Salford RLFC earlier this month, with Salford picking up their first league win since the rebirth of the club in December. Coby Nichol is the man who has been punished, with the Hunslet man deemed to have attacked a players testicles during the game.
As such, the winger has been handed a Grade F charge and 36 disciplinary points, which has resulted in a six-match suspension a fine.
There is a twist, though, with Nichol, who signed a two-year contract extension with the Parksiders in October, announcing his immediate retirement earlier this week. Hunslet confirmed his decision on social media on Tuesday, citing work commitments as the reason why Nichol could not carry on with his rugby league career.
As such, he won’t serve the ban the RFL have given him, with the decision coming a week late due to an investigation.
Announcing Nichol’s decision, Hunslet posted on social media: “The club is disappointed to announce that Coby Nichol has announced his immediate retirement from semi-professional Rugby League due to work commitments. Coby made 21 appearances for the Parksiders, scoring six tries. No one will forget that full length interception try up the hill at Batley. Good luck for the future, Coby.”
The South Leeds outfit have seen another player banned, though, with Ethan O’Hanlon being hit with a Grade D head contact charge. That comes with 15 disciplinary points, a two-match suspension and a fine.
Brett Ferres is the only other Championship man charged this week, with the Goole Vikings skipper being sanctioned for Grade A head contact. He has been handed one point, but no further action is required.
Championship Match Review Panel verdict
Brett Ferres (Goole Vikings) – Grade A head contact – Penalty points: 1 – No further action
Ethan O’Hanlon (Hunslet) – Grade D head contact – Penalty points: 15 – 2 match suspension and a fine
Coby Nichol (Hunslet) – Grade F testicles attacking – Penalty points: 36 – Total points in last 12 months: 38.75 – 6 match suspension and a fine.
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