Salford Red Devils have confirmed that they will contest the ban handed to Joe Shorrocks for his tackle on Leeds Rhinos star Brodie Croft.
Croft had to leave the field on a stretcher after a 12-minute delay in play following the tackle by Shorrocks on the former Salford man.
Shorrocks was sent to the sin bin after the incident was reviewed with the loose forward avoiding red on account of the mitigation that Croft was rapidly losing height. Monday’s Match Review Panel confirmed that Shorrocks had been handed a two-game ban for the incident.
Having jinked back inside, Croft appeared to dip his head rapidly and that meant contact with Shorrocks’ arm which was already braced to make a tackle.
Salford forward Jack Ormondroyd also had to leave the field after the tackle with his head seeming to hit Croft as he tried to complete the tackle from behind.
Naming their 21-man squad to face Hull KR, Salford Red Devils named Shorrocks whilst assistant coach Krisnan Inu confirmed the club’s intent to appeal when speaking to Serious About Rugby League.
Salford Red Devils to appeal Joe Shorrocks ban
Our Round 3 squad to face @hullkrofficial! 💪
Joe Shorrocks’ inclusion is subject to an appeal of his two-match ban, scheduled for later today.
ℹ️: https://t.co/cDgQ1PDQ1F pic.twitter.com/BRKzWZgwm1
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) February 25, 2025
Whilst the team news confirmed the decision to appeal, Inu had faced the press minutes earlier and was asked by Serious About Rugby League if they had any intent on appealing Shorrocks’ ban.
“I think they’re in the process of doing that or discussing whether they’re going to contest it,” Inu confirmed before stating why he felt it was a harsh verdict on Shorrocks.
“I think if it was me in that tackle, I don’t know why I’d get done,” he explained.
“It was a straight arm and I know there was an accident that came from it but I don’t think there was any ill-intent.
“He (Brodie Croft) was just unlucky enough that he fell into Joe’s arms when he was on the way down and Joe was obviously bracing himself for a tackle.
“I don’t think there way any malice in it. I think if you actually watch the video properly, it’s actually Jack Ormondroyd who knocks him out because he headbutted him from the back.”
Inu confirmed that Ormondroyd, who also left the field at the time, was fit and healthy to play this week against Hull KR after passing his HIA test.
The assistant confirmed: “He (Ormondroyd) is available for this week but I think that’s where most of the damage was done, from behind and not in front.
“I think people have got to look at that video again and you’ll realise where Crofty actually sustained his injury.”
The RFL’s Operational Rules Tribunal will now hear Shorrocks’ case tonight.
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