The RFL Match Review Panel had a busy week this week, with seven Super League players receiving penalty notices in Monday’s meeting of the panel. Of those seven penalties, six came with bans which threatened to rule players out of upcoming fixtures.
The Catalans Dragons were the big losers from the meeting, with two of their players receiving bans from their game against the Huddersfield Giants. Michael McIlorum and Arthur Romano both received one-match bans for Dangerous Contact. Franck Maria was also cited for the same charge but escaped with just a fine.
Elsewhere, Sione Mata’utia of St Helens, Lachlan Lam of the Leigh Leopards and Elliot Wallis of the Giants also received bans for their actions over the weekend.
However, following what was deemed to be an “unreasonable appeal” one of these players has had their ban increased, which has big implications for the upcoming international fixture between England and France.
Quiz: Can you name every Super League Young Player of the Year?
Super League star given an additional game suspension for “unreasonable appeal”
Credit: Imago Images
Romano was named in Laurent Frayssinous’ squad to face England. However, he will now miss the crunch international fixture following a failed appeal against the ban. To make matters worse for Romano, he also received an additional one match suspension, as the RFL deemed his appeal “unreasonable”.
A statement from the Dragons confirming the decision read:
“Arthur Romano will miss the Mid Season International between France and England at Toulouse on Saturday.
“The Catalans Dragons centre challenged a Grade B charge of dangerous contact in Saturday’s victory against Huddersfield Giants which carried a one-match ban. The independent ORT dismissed the challenge and ruled it unreasonable, adding a second match to the suspension and a £500 fine.”
Alongside France’s game against England at the weekend, Romano will also miss the Dragons’ trip to Hull KR the following weekend.
Catalans travel to East Hull knowing that they need a win to rebuild some momentum in their race for a top six spot, which has stuttered in recent weeks. The Dragons have won just twice in their last seven games, including last weekend’s win over the Giants.
Romano has been a crucial part of the Catalans side so far this season. He has appeared 12 times in total, scoring one try and registering three try assists. His only try of the season came against the Giants last weekend.
He is a strong runner and has made 62 tackle busts so far this season, along with three clean breaks.
