Leeds Rhinos’ battle with St Helens on Friday night was as controversial and fierce as you will ever see in Super League and showed why rugby league, even when teams aren’t executing as well as they should, is still the greatest game of all.
It was a real fiery affair and subsequently it is no surprise to see the fixture cited 17 times by the match review panel.
James McDonnell is responsible for two of those. The Leeds backrow avoided a ban for dangerous contact but is the only player suspended this week as he was hit with a two match ban for punching.
Teammate Richie Myler also avoided a dangerous contact charge whilst Sam Walters and Tom Holroyd avoided bans despite being cited twice. Myler was also cited twice.
James Roby and Tommy Makinson were among those cited by St Helens. Makinson avoided a ban for disputing a decision as he “walked away immediately after being spoken to be the official.”
Ash Handley meanwhile was also cited as was French teammate Justin Sangare.
Sione Mata’utia was fined for his below the knees tackle on Mikolaj Oledzki which yielded a yellow card. He was cited twice as well.
Teammates Curtis Sironen and Joey Lussick were also cited by the panel.
Like Mata’utia and McDonnell, Leeds star Nene MacDonald was charged. The centre/wing was charged for other contrary behaviour but received no punishment.
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