Super League disciplinary concerns as Hull KR and Wigan Warriors sweat Grand Final bans

The Super League Grand Final is set with Hull KR once again facing Wigan Warriors and both sides will be hoping that today’s disciplinary verdict doesn’t result in bans.

The Match Review Panel will convene later today to assess the two Super League play-off semi-finals for any disciplinary indiscretions, with plenty of players walking disciplinary tightropes.

Wigan Warriors were the first side to book their spot in the Grand Final as they beat Leigh Leopards 18-6 in a repeat of last year’s semi-final, albeit far closer than their dominant 38-0 win in 2024.

Hull KR’s 20-12 win on Saturday over St Helens ensured that it would be the same Grand Final as last year with the Robins seeking a treble, whilst Wigan are seeking a third consecutive Super League crown.

Injury-wise, there are still questions over Micky McIlorum but otherwise the game looks set to pit the very best against each other, unless today’s disciplinary verdict results in any bans for either of the Super League Grand Finalists.

Hull KR quartet on Super League disciplinary tightrope

One man who may well find himself banned, though it won’t matter too much given his side’s loss, is Leigh Leopards’ Edwin Ipape.

The Papua New Guinean hooker is on the cusp of a ban and whilst not penalised at the time, he did appear to catch Sam Walters high, which is quite extraordinary given the Wigan forward is six foot and seven inches tall.

Even a Grade A charge would result in a ban and it appeared as though that tackle was one of the only disciplinary indiscretions in that first semi-final.

The second game did see a sin bin but it was another defeat player in hot water as Jack Welsby pulled back Jez Litten in a clear and blatant professional foul, which likely won’t lead to any major punishment.

Other incidents were few and far between but Hull KR have four players walking the disciplinary tightrope with each of Jez Litten, Tyrone May, Rhyse Martin and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves all one charge away from either a one or two-game ban.

Of those, Waerea-Hargreaves is the man who may have the biggest fear as Saints winger Jon Bennison left the field and failed a HIA after a tackle involving the Kiwi forward. It was unclear how contact was made but further replays will be looked at with the Robins hoping that the Match Review Panel see no issue.

Last week’s Match Review Panel saw Leigh’s Lachlan Lam have an allegation of ‘unacceptable language’ referred to RFL Compliance for further investigation. Both Leigh and Wakefield were asked to make submissions so it’s possible that a final verdict on that situation is also confirmed.

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