After a complete lack of Super League disciplinary action in Round Nine, with the historic decision of no charges being handed out, it was back to normal in Round Ten with several sin bins and even a red card.
The Round Nine outcome of the Super League disciplinary process shocked everyone with not one single charge handed out, never mind a ban. It was believed to be the first time that it had happened under the current Super League disciplinary format, making it a truly historic week.
The same won’t be said for Round Ten as a number of cards were brandished including a red card in quite contentious circumstances.
Round Ten Round-Up
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Round Ten’s action kicked off on Thursday with a repeat of last year’s Grand Final and once again it was Wigan who were victorious. Both teams entered the team on the back of disappointing losses and it initially looked like the visitors would react best.
Catalans went 8-0 up but would ultimately lose 30-8 in a game that exposed the frailties in Steve McNamara’s side this season. The result also saw Wigan go top of the Super League.
Friday night brought another three games and whilst one was close, the other two were similar blowouts to Thursday’s game. That game that ended up with a close scoreline had looked set to be a blowout as Salford raced into an 18-0 lead before three late tries in the final quarter made the scoreline tighten up.
For Salford, it was once again the boot of Marc Sneyd that proved crucial with his three perfect conversions the difference as the Red Devils won 18-16, but they’ll be one of the sides sweating today’s Super League disciplinary outcomes after two spine players were sent to the sin bin. As will Huddersfield following the contentious red card shown to their winger Elliot Wallis.
Friday’s other matches saw Leeds Rhinos hammer London Broncos 46-8 whilst Warrington Wolves dispatched Hull FC 24-6 with the most interesting action coming post-match in the tunnel, Sam Burgess barging Richie Myler who he had previously claimed risked his player’s safety.
Saturday’s action saw Hull KR announce themselves as genuine title contenders with a brilliant 40-20 win over St Helens. Willie Peters’ Robins have now beaten the last two World Club Champions in back-to-back weeks, putting Super League on notice.
That game wasn’t without something for the Super League disciplinary process to look at, Morgan Knowles’ avoiding a red card due to ‘mitigation’ per Chris Kendall.
Round Ten saved the best game till last as Leigh Leopards and Castleford Tigers went to golden point and eventually, a 28-28 draw after those extra ten minutes couldn’t split them. Matt Moylan hit the post in golden point but it wasn’t to be and both sides took home a deserving point.
Incredibly, that set of results has left Super League with a six-way tie at the top of the table with all six teams tied on 14 points after ten rounds. Wigan do sit top of the pile on points difference and they also have a game in hand, but it highlights how competitive Super League is now.
The Super League Disciplinary process will take place today with several sides waiting anxiously to see if they’ve escaped bans.
Super League Disciplinary: Who should be worried about a ban?
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Round Ten has been far easier than Round Nine to assess who may be facing Super League disciplinary action given that there were cards shown this week.
The first three of those all came in Friday’s clash between Huddersfield and Salford with Elliot Wallis’ red card sandwiched between Salford’s sin bins on either side of halftime.
Just prior to the half-time hooter, full-back Ryan Brierley was sent for ten for a high shot on Esan Marsters whilst utility man Chris Atkin was sent to the bin just after Wallis for his actions during a kick chase.
The contentious decision to show red and the actions of the Match Review Panel from a Super League disciplinary point of view will be one that will be most anticipated among fans.
Wallis was sent for a headbutt however it’s been labelled incredibly soft whilst Ian Watson spoke post-match explaining that he doesn’t expect the MRP to take any action, such was the nature of the incident.
The final man that was sent for ten this week was Morgan Knowles who went high in the tackle with a swinging arm. He was left asking referee Chris Kendall “for what” after being shown yellow, but was perhaps fortunate that there was mitigation in the ball-carrier dipping, otherwise he could have had an early bath.
All four will be facing a nervy wait whilst the Match Review Panel could spring a surprise and find other incidents too.
