Hill banned as Akauola challenge deemed accidental

Chris Hill has been issued with a two-match penalty notice by the RFL’s Match Review Panel.

The Grade C charge relates to a challenge made by the Warrington skipper on St Helens centre Mark Percival during Friday’s clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

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He is now set to miss the Wolves next two Super League matches against London and Salford.

Elsewhere, Huddersfield hooker Kruise Leeming was charged with Grade A Dangerous contact but escaped suspension.

Several other players were cautioned this week however Sitaleki Akauola’s challenge on Saints youngster Aaron Smith went unpunished.

The running style of the Wire forward has been a talking point in recent weeks with Justin Holbrook questioning his technique after Smith left the field on a stretcher.

However in the review panel’s minutes, the challenge has been categorised as accidental stating: “The Player is looking through the line and not to target the opponent.”

Disciplinary round-up:

Kruise Leeming (Huddersfield) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice

Chris Hill (Warrington) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice

The following players have been issued with cautions: 

Tyrone McCarthy (Salford) – Kicking Out

Romain Navarrete (Wigan) – Raising Knee in Tackle

Jack Hughes (Warrington) – Shoulder Charge

Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook (St Helens) – Disputes Decision of Match Official