Revealed: Why Luke Gale dodged ban despite multiple citation

Former Man of Steel winner, Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC and Castleford Tigers star Luke Gale was drafted in at Wakefield Trinity by Mark Applegarth to fend off relegation.

Gale had a key role in turning things around mid season after Wakefield lost 15 games in a row to start the season.

However, they nearly lost the former England international to a ban when he was cited twice for late contact but avoided a ban.

Here’s why:

First Count: Opponent runs into players line and player prepares for contact.

Second Count: Player pushes opponent however minimal force applied and footage inconclusive as to whether there is any flexion of the opponent’s head or neck.

This means Gale will be able to play this weekend but plenty of other Super League stars won’t be so lucky with six Super League stars suffering bans this week.

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League & Betfred League One fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Bevan French (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – £250 Fine
Oliver Partington (Salford Red Devils) – Grade A Dangerous Throw – £250 Fine
Oliver Partington (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Ryan Brierley (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine
Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Chris McQueen (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable
George Williams (Warrington Wolves) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable
Jacob Miller (Castleford Tigers) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Jake Clifford (Hull FC) – Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice
David Fusitu’a (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable
Konrad Hurrell (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Eddie Battye (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable
Moses Mbye (St Helens) – Grade A Contact with Match Official – Not Applicable
Lewis Dodd (St Helens) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine
Gregg McNally (Oldham) – Grade B Trip – £40 Fine
The following players have received a caution:

David Fusitu’a (Leeds Rhinos) – Raising knee in tackle
Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors) – Dangerous Throw