Hull KR have made their call on the Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ban and whether they’ll appeal it, whilst news of the ban hasn’t gone well Down Under.
The Kiwi enforcer was handed a Grade C charge for his shot on Jon Bennison with the Saints winger then failing a HIA in the aftermath. That resulted in an additional three penalty points on Waerea-Hargreaves’ disciplinary record, pushing him into the threshold of a three-match ban.
Given that the Kiwi will retire at the end of the year, the additional matches don’t matter but Hull KR will be without the New Zealander for the Grand Final as it stands.
However, the club have decided to appeal the decision with JWH set to attend an Operational Rules Tribunal later today where the club, likely led by owner Neil Hudgell, will plead his case.
The issue for Hull KR is that they would have to completely overturn the decision as even a reduction in grade would still mean a ban.
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Ban handed to Hull KR star slammed as ‘terrible’ by NRL journalist
Footage of the tackle has been spread widely on social media with many questioning the decision and that includes those in the NRL with leading journalist Buzz Rothfield hitting out at the decision.
Bennison was heading to the ground when Waerea-Hargreaves collected him around the neck, however, the 67-year-old Rothfield has now extraordinarily claimed: “He wouldn’t have knocked me out!”
Rothfield was appearing on Triple M radio when he gave his assessment, arguing that the disciplinary process should be ashamed of the decision.
“I’m disgusted by that decision, I really am,” declared Rothfield.
“It would be flat out to be a penalty in the NRL. I know this guy’s got history and a long list of indiscretions on the field, but that was barely a penalty.”
Rothfield would also query it as a three-game ban, perhaps showing a lack of understanding of the disciplinary process and how the penalty points accrue throughout a season.
“It’s a terrible decision, they should be ashamed of the decision the Super League match review.”
You can see the debate below whilst the results of Waerea-Hargreaves disciplinary appeal will also be reported later by Serious About Rugby League.
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dave A
October 7, 2025 at 12:15 pm
Ironic he’s got away with leading with the elbow many times, now penalised for minor contact. As a Wigan fan I want him out there competing, I think Hull need him to be competitive on Saturday.
Ray
October 7, 2025 at 4:10 pm
A dangerous precident was set when Morgan Knowles had a 2 match ban overturned so that he could appear in the 2022 Grand final.So I suppose Jared has a chance of the ban being overturned if he appeals.