The match review panel have charged seven players after the Challenge Cup over the weekend and among the charges was a two match ban for St Helens star Morgan Knowles.
It is unsurprising to see Knowles among the seven after his late red card against Halifax Panthers.
He tackled Thomas Inman high in the 79th minute of the cup tie and was shown a red card.
Making matters worse, this was his first game back from a five game suspension after a hip drop tackle on Mike Cooper in the derby between St Helens and Wigan Warriors on Good Friday.
Already some fans have questioned why Knowles didn’t receive a longer ban.
But the RFL’s minutes explain the decision clearly.
They reveal that there was, in their opinion, a clear intention to make a tackle.
The minutes state:
“Law 15.1 (b)
“High tackle – Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome.
“Grade C.”
Thus Knowles received a two game ban.
Meanwhile, Hull KR star Rhyse Kennedy is also banned for dangerous contact and the same can be said of Josh Drinkwater of Warrington Wolves who only receives a one match ban despite a Grade C offence.
Jorge Taufua of Wakefield Trinity is the only player who was charged but not punished.
Meanwhile, Marc Sneyd of Salford Red Devils, Josh McGuire of Warrington Wolves and Josh Griffin are all fined £250 in yet another example of the RFL’s focus on fines over bans in 2023.
Following the latest round of Betfred Challenge Cup fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:
Morgan Knowles (St Helens) – Grade C High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Rhys Kennedy (Hull KR) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Jorge Taufua (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – N/A
Marc Sneyd (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Josh McGuire (Warrington Wolves) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Josh Drinkwater (Warrington Wolves) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Josh Griffin (Hull FC) – Grade A Disputing Decision – £250 Fine
