Super League Disciplinary: England international appeals charge

Catalans Dragons comfortably beat Hull KR in Perpignan at the weekend to return to the top of the table. However, the RFL hit Catalans with bans on two key players following the game.

Mike McMeeken received a Grade B charge for Dangerous Contact, resulting in a one match ban. Veteran hooker, Micky McIlorum, also received two charges, the first is a Grade B charge for tripping. The second is a Grade B charge for Dangerous Contact. He faces a two-match ban.

Catalans were comfortable winners against Hull KR. Micky McIlorum scored the first try of a comfortable 36-6 win. Transfer linked wingers Tom Davies and Tom Johnstone also got their names on the scoresheet.

Catalans to lodge appeal

Catalans Dragons will appeal one of these charges. They hope to over the charge for Dangerous contact and will take their case to the RFL Disciplinary Panel.

The Match Review Panel issued the charge for late contact on the passer, according to the minutes. The charge stated that McIlorum contacts an opponent after releasing the ball. In doing so, the decision stated he posed an “unacceptable risk of injury to that player”.

McIlorum has been an influential player for Les Dracs over the years. If successful, the appeal would reduce his ban to one game. This would mean McIlorum is available for the key clash against Wigan Warriors in two games time.

Repeat Offender

This isn’t the first ban McIlorum has received this season. His first ban came in Round Two, after receiving a red card in Catalans victory at home to Warrington Wolves.

The tribunal upheld a Grade E contact charge, banning McIlorum for four matches. The referee sent off McIlorum for a high shot on Warrington forward, Joe Philbin. Catalans held out to win 16-10, thanks to 12 points from Arthur Mourgue. The defeat was Sam Burgess’ first defeat as Warrington coach.