Hull KR star charged after Challenge Cup as Jackson Hastings punished for Good Friday incident

After the Challenge Cup semi-finals, just one disciplinary charge has been brought forward with a Hull KR star fined by the Match Review Panel.

Second-rower James Batchelor, who scored two tries in Rovers’ 32-12 win over Warrington Wolves, has been handed a Grade B charge for head contact in the sole charge from the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Interestingly, Batchelor’s charge stems from the incident that saw him leave the field for a head injury assessment, something that is reminiscent of the charge that Wakefield Trinity’s Cam Scott got in the most recent round of Super League.

On that occasion, Scott was handed a Grade B charge for head contact despite being the man who came off worse as he suffered a devastating knockout. Thankfully for Hull KR and James Batchelor, the forward passed his HIA meaning he is available for this week’s game against Leigh Leopards

Batchelor being the only charge means that the likes of Mikey Lewis and James Bentley, who went after each other all game on Sunday, have both avoided punishment, whilst there has also been no repercussions from Saturday’s semi-final when Wigan Warriors beat St Helens 32-0.

That was a fiery contest with much of the needle stemming from St Helens’ comeback win on Good Friday, something that Wigan’s boss Matt Peet admitted was an inspiration.

Saints’ Jackson Hastings has now been punished for his actions in the aftermath of that Good Friday game, namely the fact that he threw a bottle into the crowd as part of the celebrations for Bill Leyland’s try.

The RFL statement confirmed: “After investigation by the RFL Compliance Department into an incident in the Super League game between St Helens and Wigan Warriors (April 3), St Helens’ Jackson Hastings has pleaded guilty to conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game after throwing a bottle back into the crowd.

“Hastings has been sanctioned with a £500 fine suspended until the end of the 2027 season and will also carry out ten hours extra curriculum work within the St Helens Foundation.”

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Challenge Cup disciplinary

Player	Club	Opposition	Charge	Grade	Penalty Points	Total Points in previous 12 months	Sanction if applicable
James Batchelor	Hull KR	Warrington Wolves	Head Contact	B	3	4.25	Fine