After a frantic Round 26, a number of players will be sweating the Super League disciplinary verdict this week, and it is set to be a busy one for the Match Review Panel.
Going in chronological order, the first player hoping to be let off scot-free is Castleford man Ben McNamara, who is currently on loan from Leigh Leopards. He was put on report for a crusher tackle in Tigers’ defeat to Bradford on Thursday.
Friday’s early kick-off saw Hull FC travel to Toulouse, and after a shocking first half that saw them 30-0 down, their second-half display made the scoreline more respectable, but they still lost 44-30.
In that game, Harvie Hill was sin-binned for an open-handed strike on Lambert Belmas, before he was later put on report for dangerous contact on Henry O’Kane. Hill’s shoulder met the head of the back rower, meaning Hill could miss the final game of the season against Leeds Rhinos.
Aidan Sezer was also sin-binned, but for a professional foul, so he isn’t expected to be charged. Toulouse’s Tiaki Chan caught Hull youngster Lloyd Kemp high, but that was missed by the on-field referees.
Later on Friday night, Hull KR star Jez Litten was placed on report for a hip drop on Sam Halsall in their win over Huddersfield Giants. Giants boss Jim Lenihan was left unhappy with the decision, with initial fears being that Halsall had broken his leg as a result of the contact.
Halsall himself was penalised earlier in the game for a high tackle on Arthur Mourgue, whilst teammate Taane Milne needs a Grade A charge to see him suspended. That could well happen after he was penalised for striking Litten.
Joining Litten in being KR’s sweating contingent are Elliot Minchella (striking Harry Rushton, not penalised), Sam Luckley (penalised for a high tackle on Mathieu Cozza which forced a HIA) and Oliver Gildart (penalised for a high tackle on Niall Evalds).
If Luckley is charged, three additional penalty points will be added due to the infringement causing an injury. He currently sits on two penalty points, meaning that a Grade A charge, combined with those foul play points, would see him banned.
On the same night, St Helens’ play-off hopes were ended in a 42-10 defeat to Leigh Leopards, in a game that saw the retiring Mark Percival sin-binned. The centre caught David Armstrong high and was shown a yellow card as a result. Back rower Shane Wright took out a Leigh kicker late, but that went unpunished.
Leopards’ centre Umyla Hanley hit Jonny Lomax late, so the Super League Dream Team hopeful will be hoping to keep a run of four years without a charge in tact. Adam Cook also pulled the hair of Tristan Sailor late in the game, but despite referee Chris Kendall being metres away, it was not penalised. Cook apologised straight away, having hoped to grab Sailor’s shirt but instead got hold of his hair.
Saturday saw Wakefield Trinity win a 3rd v 4th battle against Warrington Wolves, but returning back rower Isaiah Vagana could be in trouble after a head-on-head contact saw Liam Byrne go off for a HIA.
Byrne himself was put on report for a crusher tackle on Jay Pitts, who needed to leave the field for a HIA. James Bentley is another player sweating the MRP, having taken Mason Lino off the ball.
Table-toppers Leeds Rhinos were defeated by Wigan Warriors in the evening, in a game that saw the visitors take top spot off Brad Arthur’s men. It was a clinical performance by Wigan, but they could be set for a couple of charges.
Oliver Partington tipped Tom Holroyd in a tackle, making the Leeds prop land on his head, but that went unpunished by Liam Moore. Luke Thompson was also penalised for a high shot on Cameron Smith, whilst a second high tackle, this time on Harry Newman, was missed.
Leeds forward Presley Cassell caught Liam Marshall high in the first half, and was subsequently penalised.
RIP Sir Billy, under-the-radar challengers, Hull KR’s controversial call and more – Click here to watch this week’s episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
