Liam Watts calls for an end to harsh bans

Castleford Tigers prop Liam Watts has called for a reduction in the length of bans after a video circulated of a ‘biff’ back in 2010 in the Hull derby.

Watts has played his part in many a Hull derby, starring for KR between 2008 and 2012 and then FC between 2012 and 2018.

The video – which Hull FC posted on their Twitter account – showed Mark Calderwood of Hull FC and Ben Cockayne of Hull KR having a punch-up.

Watts quoted: “Probs pick up a 4 week ban for this…can’t we get it removed ASAP.”

The Castleford forward has had his share of bans in the past, with his two-match ban earlier in the season causing a stir.

Watts was initially suspended for one game by the RFL’s Match Review Panel, having, in the panel’s view, made Grade B ‘Dangerous Contact’ with Salford’s Elijah Taylor in the 74^th minute of Castleford’s Challenge Cup fixture over Salford Red Devils.

Watts entered a guilty plea, but challenged the grading. The tribunal found the grading to be correct and considered his grading challenge to be frivolous. The tribunal doubled the suspension and fined Watts £500.

Now, the 31-year-old has called for more leniency in terms of the physical aspect of the game.

Probs pick up a 4 week ban for this 😂 can’t we get it removed ASAP https://t.co/UTfghAg7SV

— Liam Watts (@WATTSY7890) August 18, 2021