Super League club awarded disciplinary dispensation by RFL

The Match Review Panel of the Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced the charges for the first round of the Betfred Super League season.

Hull FC’s Franklin Pele may receive a lengthy ban as he faces the tribunal for his red card against Hull KR. His swinging arm led to his dismissal. Additionally, Catalans Dragons’ Michael McIlorum may be banned for up to six matches for his red card against Warrington Wolves, and Castleford Tigers’ Liam Watts may also face a long-term ban.

The RFL has stated that recommended punishments are provided for offences graded A-D. Players and their clubs can challenge these at an Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday evening. For charges of Grade E and F, the player must appear at an ORT on Tuesday evening. Therefore, the cases of the three players charged with Grade E offences will be heard tonight, along with Ryan Brierley’s appeal.

Considering that the RFL has strong evidence against all three players, it is likely that they will receive some form of suspension. This will increase the number of players banned to 12 after just one round of the competition.

Super League club handed disciplinary dispensation

Betfred Super League club Leigh Leopards have now confirmed that they have been awarded special dispensation by the RFL ahead of tonight’s tribunal.

With no game this week and with owner Derek Beaumont unavailable, it has been determined that they can have until next week to appeal the bans to Tom Amone and John Asiata after their Betfred Super League Round One clash against Huddersfield Giants.

The club confirmed as such with the following statement:

“Leigh Leopards can confirm that they have requested dispensation from the RFL to deal with the charges brought from their opening fixtures to be dealt with next week, given they have no game at the weekend and their owner, who would deal with the presentation of defences to charges, is currently out of the country. This has been granted by the RFL. No further comments will be made by the club at this stage other than to thank the RFL for agreeing to the club’s request.”