The Match Review Panel have met following Round One to confirm the Super League disciplinary news with a whopping sixteen players being charged sending fans into a frenzy.
Round One saw thirteen players carded with four red cards and nine sin bins, an average of over two cards per game which has caused many fans to claim things such as ‘the game’s gone’.
That sentiment seems to be very popular with the new stricter rules surrounding tackling and in particular contact with the head being a major point of controversy.
England international Alex Walmsley has even spoken out on it by writing an open letter with his thoughts on the past weekend of Super League and what the adapted rules mean for the future of the sport.
For many clubs, there were anxious waits to hear the disciplinary news and it isn’t good news for seven Super League clubs who have all been hit with player bans.
An eighth club has had a player charged but Wigan Warriors’ Harry Smith has somewhat controversially got away with just a fine meaning he will be available to play in the World Club Challenge this weekend.
Three of those charged players will now head to tribunal where their punishment will be determined.
“We have got very lucky there” – Super League disciplinary news sees Harry Smith controversially avoid ban
Many had expected Harry Smith to be hit with a ban after the Super League Disciplinary matters were dealt with. – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2322-0015
As expected social media has reacted with over the top statements calling on the sport ‘to be cancelled’ or for the ‘RFL to be sacked’, but among those posts are some very valid concerns around the game and the future of it.
One account revealed that their side had got “lucky” regarding Smith’s escape from a ban in the same game that will see Liam Watts potentially suspended for six games.
They shared on X, formerly Twitter, a post stating: “Buzzing Smith is available, we have got very lucky there! So inconsistent with these bans. There is no way Watts deserves a 4-6 game ban.”
Buzzing Smith is available, we have got very lucky there!
So inconsistent with these bans. There is no way Watts deserves a 4-6 game ban
— Wigan Warriors Fans (@WiganFans_RL) February 19, 2024
Meanwhile, Castleford fans were far less content with the decisions with the C word being banded about – corruption.
In response to confirmation that Castleford may well appeal the decision, one fan shared their thoughts: “Tell me the RFL aren’t corrupt without saying they are corrupt ! What an absolute joke!”
Another just responded: “Sport is on its arse.”
Tell me the @TheRFL aren’t corrupt without saying they are corrupt ! What an absolute joke ! https://t.co/K3WgJq4Ps0
— Daveyboy2411 (@daveyboy2411) February 19, 2024
The fact that the video referee had recommended a red card for Harry Smith was something that others mentioned, Tom Grant having ignored that advice and kept the offence to a sin bin on the day.
That was the reason why many expected retrospective action with Craig Lingard having confirmed there was a recommendation for a red card.
A fan put all the puzzling pieces together: “So Smith escapes a ban, despite the video ref recommending a red. Nothing for Mago, despite a clear swinging arm to the head. Tasipale gets one match for the same incident as Mago. Watts off to a tribunal despite all mitigating factors. Nothing for Westerman. Make it make sense.”
So Smith escapes a ban, despite the video ref recommending a red
Nothing for Mago, despite a clear swinging arm to the head
Tasipale gets one match for the same incident as Mago
Watts off to a tribunal despite all mitigating factors
Nothing for Westerman
Make it make sense
— Offbeat RL (@BizarreRl) February 19, 2024
In defence of many of the ‘games gone soft’ calls, there should still be a mention that Tariq Sims’ monster hit on George Williams didn’t get any charge given it’s brilliant execution and it was arguably a harder shot than any of the red or yellow card offences which broke the laws.
SHOT.#SuperLeaguepic.twitter.com/Tm108b7ISx
— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) February 18, 2024
