The Super League disciplinary report for Round One of the new season has been released. The Match Review Panel has analysed the first six matches of the season and issued their verdict. Super League disciplinary decisions are always a big talking point, and especially after the first round of this season, with the new rules about head contact playing a key role in the first six games.
The new rules were first tested in the opening game between Hull FC and Hull KR, where the Black and Whites lost Herman Ese’ese to a yellow card for the first instance of the new rules reducing a side to 12 men. They were returned to 12 men when Franklin Pele was sent off for a swinging arm which would have arguably yielded a red card in almost any era. Ligi Sao was also sent off for direct contact to the head with the knee retaliating to Matt Parcell, who was sin-binned and could also have faced disciplinary action.
Salford Red Devils star Ryan Brierley was sin-binned for a high tackle under the new rules, while his opponent, Leeds Rhinos star Paul Momirovski, could have also faced disciplinary action for a shoulder charge.
The biggest talking point was the sending off of Liam Watts under the new rules for Castleford Tigers, while Wigan Warriors duo Kaide Ellis and Harry Smith escaped that fate. Catalans Dragons star Michael McIlorum did not.
This built to the question: who has been punished this week by the Match Review Panel?
In total 16 players have been charged following the games in round one with a number set to head to tribunal to face their charges. Liam Watts, Franklin Pele and Michael McIlorum are all set to appear at tribunal for Grade E offences.
Super League club confirm appeal
Salford Red Devils vs Leeds Rhinos Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com – 18/03/2022 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League: Round 6 – Salford Red Devils vs Leeds Rhinos – AJ Bell Stadium, Eccles, England – Referee Jack Smith shows a yellow card.
Salford Red Devils have already confirmed that they will be appealing the ban of Ryan Brierley ahead of Round Two of the Betfred Super League.
The club have confirmed this decision in a statement published on the club’s official website:
“Following review, we can confirm that the club is appealing the suspension issued to Ryan Brierley by the Match Review Panel.
“The full-back has been handed a one-match ban for Grade C ‘Head Contact’ following a collision during our Round 1 fixture against Leeds Rhinos.”
The club meet another team embroiled in disciplinary controversy in the shape of Castleford Tigers.
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