Four players have been charged, and six others have received cautions, following incidents in Saturday’s third Test between England and Tonga at Leeds Rhinos’ AMT Headingley.
It was a feisty game with three yellow cards included in the match with one incident involving St Helens star Matt Lees. The former Super League Champion has had a torrid time in terms of yellow cards and suspensions in 2023 and it has only gotten worse in his final game of the year.
After feeling as though he was hit with a swinging arm in the first half against Tonga, he was sin binned for hair pulling.
He has subsequently been given a one match ban for the incident. This is despite the fact it is a Grade A offence. Normally this would carry a maximum of a fine in Super League under the new guidelines but due to the rules internationally, Lees has picked up a one match ban.
The following is a list of all four charges as confirmed by the Rugby Football League:
Tolutau Koula of Tonga has been charged with a Grade A high tackle.
Latu Faiuna of Tonga has been charged with a Grade A dangerous throw.
Matty Lees of England has been charged with Grade A contrary behaviour.
Siliva Havili of Tonga has been charged with Grade A striking.
The RFL also confirmed: “Each of the four offences carries a recommended one-match suspension – which can be challenged at an Operational Rules Tribunal.”
Tom Burgess and Mike McMeeken of England, and Felise Kaufusi, Moeaki Fotuaika and Keaon Kolomatangi of Tonga, have received cautions for dangerous contact. Harry Newman of England has been cautioned for other contrary behaviour.
The RFL was asked to supervise disciplinary procedures for the series on behalf of International Rugby League. Both England and Tonga nominated one member of the Match Review Panel. Players have until 11am on Tuesday to submit challenges to charges.
Lees will be able to serve the ban in a pre-season friendly. At this stage the only Super League club to confirm a pre-season friendly is the Leeds Rhinos. They will again meet Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day as they often do.
