Super League referees sent just two players to the sin-bin in round two as a weekend of action passed without too much disciplinary action.
Good behaviour has been a theme over the opening two weekends, with match officials showing just three yellow cards in round one and two of those were given to Wigan Warriors players in the opening round.
As such, it seems the stricter rules that were introduced last season around head contact and high tackles have had the desired effect, with players taking more care in their actions.
On top of that, a new disciplinary system, that has been in place since the Challenge Cup third round ensures we are yet to see a Super League player given a ban this season. Players will accrue disciplinary points this season, with six points the threshold for a suspension.
At present, a number of players have collected five points for Grade C charges, but no one has met the points required for a ban just yet.
Having said that, there at least two clubs who will be waiting nervously for this afternoon’s disciplinary news.
Hull KR will be hoping Micky McIlorum gets off lightly following the yellow card he received at Wakefield Trinity on Thursday night. The hooker could be seen making contact to the head with what appeared to be a swinging arm and while there was mitigation, the referee was forced to take action.
McIlorum appeared to apologised to Mason Lino following the incident before leaving the field at Belle Vue with four minutes remaining. There were a couple more moments from that game that will be looked at, particularly the penalty Mikey Lewis gave away following a coming together with a number of Wakefield players just before the break with many feeling he was fortunate to avoid a card.
Salford Red Devils’ Joe Shorrocks was the only other man to receive a yellow this weekend, with the forward’s tackle on Brodie Croft being deemed to overstep the mark. Croft required treatment on the field at the Salford Community Stadium before being forced to leave the field of play.
Mikey Lewis gives away a penalty for foul play ⚠️
The Man of Steel was not happy 😳 pic.twitter.com/aFVsFVgnai
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) February 20, 2025
