Yesterday, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Castleford Tigers all landed in hot water with the Match Review Panel.
14 Super League players were charged with six of them banned. In fact, Salford Red Devils star King Vuniyayawa was banned twice.
Teammates Kallum Watkins and Oliver Partington were also banned. Hull FC star Jake Clifford, Castleford Tigers star Jacob Miller and Konrad Hurrell were all banned.
With three players banned, Salford have elected to ban four charges:
The sanctions being appealed are as follows:
Oliver Partington – Dangerous Throw – Grade A
Kallum Watkins – High Tackle – Grade B
King Vuniyayawa – High Tackle – Grade B
King Vuniyayawa – Dangerous Contact – Grade B
The club is not appealing the following sanctions:
Oliver Partington – High Tackle – Grade B
Ryan Brierley – Other Contrary Behaviour – Grade B
Following the latest round of Betfred Super League & Betfred League One fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:
Bevan French (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – £250 Fine
Oliver Partington (Salford Red Devils) – Grade A Dangerous Throw – £250 Fine
Oliver Partington (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Ryan Brierley (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine
Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Chris McQueen (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable
George Williams (Warrington Wolves) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable
Jacob Miller (Castleford Tigers) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Jake Clifford (Hull FC) – Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice
David Fusitu’a (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable
Konrad Hurrell (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Eddie Battye (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable
Moses Mbye (St Helens) – Grade A Contact with Match Official – Not Applicable
Lewis Dodd (St Helens) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine
Gregg McNally (Oldham) – Grade B Trip – £40 Fine
The following players have received a caution:
David Fusitu’a (Leeds Rhinos) – Raising knee in tackle
Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors) – Dangerous Throw
Funnily enough, after picking up two bans, Salford announced a new deal for King Vuniyayawa.
The 28-year-old Fijian joins Shane Wright as the second forward to commit their long-term future to the club, penning terms until the end of 2025.
King joined the club from Leeds Rhinos in 2022 and has been an ever-present in Paul Rowley’s forward pack.
Before moving to England, the 28-year-old also made five appearances for NRL side, New Zealand Warriors and has represented Fiji at the recent Rugby League World Cup.
Twenty two appearances and two tries later, the metre-eater has signed a new deal and will want to play a major role in any success going forward.
In reaction to extending his stay, Vuniyayawa has said: “I am really excited to extend my stay here at Salford and looking forward to what we can build at this club in the future!”
Head Coach, Paul Rowley, has added: “It is great to retain the services of King and we look forward to helping him reach his potential in Salford colours.
“Retaining players like King is a good start to us building a competitive squad for next year and beyond!”
Director of Rugby and Operations, Ian Blease has also said: “It is great news we have been able to extend King’s contract until 2025.
“Ever since his debut, we have seen him develop immensely under the current coaching staff and I know he is well-respected by his teammates, and all the staff.
“I look forward to seeing the next step in his journey and I am delighted that will be in a Red Devils shirt!”