Five Super League players to appeal bans

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has acknowledged that the new Head Contact Sentencing Framework that was implemented caused confusion and controversy during Round Two of the Betfred Super League. The RFL made this statement after the Match Review Panel meeting that took place on Monday. The red card shown to Fa’amanu Brown during the Warrington Wolves and Hull FC match was the most controversial incident during the round.

The RFL has said that there was a lack of clarity in the procedures regarding head-on-head contact which left officials in a difficult position during the match. The MRP did not find the incident worthy of a charge under the Framework after studying it. As a result, the section of the Framework relating to head-on-head contact will be amended to emphasise that it only applies to the initial contact. Once the mechanics of the tackle become more fluid, officials should use their knowledge and game understanding to determine the level of culpability of the tackler and the appropriate sanction.

The Betfred Super League head coaches will be reminded of this point at a pre-arranged meeting on Wednesday, and playing representatives of all 12 Super League clubs will be educated on the new framework at a separate meeting later in the day.

This is a significant step forward in ensuring player safety while maintaining the integrity of the sport. Accidents are an inevitable part of the game, and this amendment should prevent similar controversies in future matches.

Five Super League players appeal charges

The headline appeal has been confirmed by Leeds Rhinos who have confirmed that they will be appealing the grading of Sam Lisone’s tackle which led to a three game ban which was worse than teammate James Donaldson.

He will be joined by Liam Sutcliffe of Hull FC also appealing his suspension from Round Two whilst Leigh Leopards trio Jack Hughes, Ricky Leutele and Tom Amone are all appealing their charges from Super League Round One.