Former Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity prop faces mammoth ban for biting

The match review panel met yesterday to assess Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards, Hull KR and St Helens stars after the Challenge Cup semi-finals over the weekend.

In a surprise twist, Sione Mata’utia received a two match for his yellow card against Leigh which is worse than the one match ban Joe Shorrocks received for his red card against Hull KR.

The other player banned was Edwin Ipape who was suspended for one game for striking.

Hull KR star Matt Parcell was cautioned. In an interesting twist John Asiata avoided a ban after what Jon Wilkin called an “incredibly dangerous” tackle which injured Agnatius Paasi.

But the most interesting thing to come from the panel was the charging of Rob Butler for biting.

The former Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity prop is plying his trade at London Broncos.

Rob Butler has been charged with a Grade F for biting and will be referred to an operational rules tribunal tomorrow night to determine his guilt and the subsequent severity of his suspension if he is found to be guilty.

Butler was a major signing for the club. They started this business with the signing of former NRL star, New Zealand international and Catalans Dragons centre Dean Whare.

Whare left for the Elite One Championship last year and was believed to be a target of Wigan Warriors at one point.

The centre will be joined by former NRL and State of Origin star Corey Norman who left Toulouse Olympique at the end of last season to also ply his trade in the French Elite One Championship.

Then the duo will be joined by reinforcements in the pack from Rob Butler.

Butler started his career at London prior to joining Warrington Wolves before a move to Wakefield Trinity.

Butler then returned home as he joined the Broncos.

He has also represented the likes of London Skolars, Coventry Bears, Leigh Leopards (then Leigh Centurions) and Bradford Bulls on loan.

Butler has also played for England Knights in the past and is a major signing for the play-off chasing Broncos.

However, his run for the Broncos could be about to hit a brick wall as he could face a ban of over six games or more after his Grade F charge.

His case will be heard at tribunal tonight.

The largest ban we have seen this season is six games.

Following the Betfred Challenge Cup Semi Finals, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Sione Mata’utia (St Helens) – Grade C High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Strikes – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Joe Shorrocks (Wigan Warriors) – Grade C High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Rob Butler* (London Broncos) – Grade F Biting – Refer to Tribunal
The following player has received a caution

Matt Parcell (Hull KR) – Dangerous Contact
*Player charged with further to additional informational provided after Thursday’s Match Review Panel meeting.