We’ve reached the play-offs following the end of the regular Super League season on Friday night and any disciplinary charges at this point could have a huge impact on those involved in the knockout action over the coming weeks.
Round 27 saw Hull KR wrap up the League Leaders’ Shield with a win over Warrington Wolves at Craven Park. Catalans Dragons beat Hull Fc to ensure the Black and Whites missed out on a play-off spot.
Leigh Leopards secured third place with a win over Huddersfield Giants, while Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Wakefield Trinity also claimed wins as they prepare to enter the play-offs.
There wasn’t too much need for referee action last week with just one yellow card being shown across the round. However, with the play-offs here, it’s fair to say head coaches will be awaiting today’s Match Review Panel verdict with their fingers crossed that none of their players pick up bans.
Super League players sweating disciplinary verdict
Of course, due to the nature of the new disciplinary system, which has come under criticism in recent weeks, a number of players are walking tightropes as they enter the play-offs knowing one wrong move could see them miss the biggest games of the season.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is one of those players and he knows a Grade A charge would see his season come to an end. He has 11 points at present and just one more would carry him over the threshold for a two-game ban, ruling him out of the semi-final and a potential Grand Final.
As such, he’ll be nervously waiting to hear from the MRP after hitting Josh Thewlis high in the first half of Thursday’s game against Warrington. The referee saw enough mitigation to spare him a card, but the challenge was deemed worthy of a penalty and it will be looked at by the MRP for certain.
Luke Keary was the man shown a yellow card for a late hit on Callum Kemp, but Catalans Dragons’ season came to an end on Thursday and the half-back will be leaving the club, ensuring any action is pretty inconsequential.
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