After round four of the Challenge Cup, plenty of Super League players will be sweating today’s disciplinary verdict, with the unique nature of the Challenge Cup meaning we could see plenty of unexpected bans.
Super League have had video referees at every match since the start of the 2024 season, but the video referee was not in use for round four of the Challenge Cup with that change being a major one for players and officials.
It undoubtedly meant that games were quicker as there were no lengthy delays to review tries, tackles, or even captain’s challenges and that saw some coaches question the officials, whilst Hull FC’s John Cartwright admitted that he felt sorry for referee Tom Grant.
Grant flashed two of the four yellow cards that were shown across the eight Challenge Cup ties but the disciplinary concerns in that game may well focus on a player who wasn’t sin binned, but perhaps would have been in a Super League match.
Hull FC talisman John Asiata got in amongst it against his old team as he became embroiled with Leigh’s Lachlan Lam, who was sent to the sin bin alongside Cade Cust for their part in a melee.
Today’s Match Review Panel will have a good look at that and plenty of other incidents from the weekend as they determine which Super League players are charged.
Super League disciplinary sweats
Leeds Rhinos’ Harry Newman was one of the other players sent to the sin bin with the Rhinos centre pulling back Seth Nikotemo as he raced through to try and ground the ball but he may not be the only one in amber and blue facing a charge.
Hooker Danny Levi put a shot on Trinity centre Oliver Pratt, which was penalised at the time but no card was shown though given how high that tackle was, Levi could find himself on the end of a charge.
So too could St Helens’ Kyle Feldt who was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle that resulted in Krystian Mapapalangi failing a HIA, something that would add three penalty points to any charge. As such, even a Grade B charge would result in a ban for the St Helens winger.
Hull KR’s Tom Davies was another winger who put in a high shot though his was only penalised at the time, however, a further review could see him charged as such tackles are what the RFL have tended to punish.
With no video referee on any game, it’s likely that a number of incidents went unnoticed meaning today’s Super League disciplinary could spring a few surprise charges.
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