We’re in the penultimate round of Super League where bans can be crucial so we’ve looked at all those at risk of missing the play-offs.
Any action can be punished severely enough for an automatic ban, as seen with four of the ten handed out this past week including Jack Ashworth’s huge seven-game suspension.
However, because of the disciplinary points system, we’ve reached a stage of the season where even Grade A offences can see players earn enough points to warrant an immediate ban.
We’ve looked at each of the top seven clubs, the top five having cemented their play-off status as well as Wakefield and Hull FC, and analysed any players who are a Grade A charge away from a ban.
We’ve also noted all those players on three of more penalty points as a Grade B offence would be enough for any of those players to land an automatic ban.
Which Super League players are in danger of missing the play-offs?
Hull KR: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (11), Rhyse Martin (8.5), Tyrone May (7), Jez Litten (5.5)
Others at risk: Eribe Doro (3.5), Michael McIlorum (3.5), Dean Hadley (3)
Four starters for Hull KR are on the brink of a ban, whilst the consistent performance Dean Hadley only a Grade B charge away from an immediate ban. Michael McIlorum, who is in race to be fit for the Grand Final, is another.
Wigan Warriors: None
Others at risk: Adam Keighran (4), Ethan Havard (4), Luke Thompson (4), Tyler Dupree (4)
Wigan actually don’t have anyone who is a Grade A charge away from a ban but they do have four key players very close to that mark, including centre Adam Keighran who wasn’t named in the 21-man squad to face Castlerord Tigers.
Leeds Rhinos: Joe Shorrocks (13), Tom Holroyd (9)
Others at risk: Keenan Palasia (4), Mikolaj Oledzki (3.5)
Joe Shorrocks served the second of his two-game ban on Thursday night whilst Tom Holroyed returned after an extended period on the sidelines. Both men are close to a ban whilst fellow forwards Keenan Palasia and Mikolaj Oledzki are a Grade B charge away.
Leigh Leopards: Edwin Ipape (5)
Others at risk: Alec Tuitavake (4.5), Joe Ofahengaue (3)
Star man Edwin Ipape is at risk of a ban but Leigh have a relatively clean disciplinary record.
St Helens: George Delaney (5)
Others at risk: Shane Wright (3)
George Delaney returned from a ban on Friday night but he’s still teetering on the edge of another, whilst loanee Shane Wright is a Grade B charge away from missing action.
Wakefield Trinity: Isaiah Vagana (5.5)
Others at risk: Mason Lino (4), Mike McMeeken (3)
Isaiah Vagana is the man close to a ban but he’s likely out for the remainder of the season, so it’s star men Mason Lino and Mike McMeeken who Daryl Powell has to worry about.
Hull FC: Jordan Rapana (8), Amir Bourouh (6), Yusuf Aydin (5.5)
Others at risk: Liam Watts (3)
Jordan Rapana will miss the final two regular season games but should the Black and Whites make the play-offs and he pick up another charge, then he’d miss a possible semi-final. Amir Bourouh and Yusuf Aydin will return from suspension in Round 27 and be just one charge from a ban.
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