The Match Review Panel have returned their verdicts after Round 26 of Super League and they have handed out two bans, both with devastating effects.
Six players were charged with two of those copping bans, namely Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella who has landed a two-game ban meaning that he will miss one of the Robins’ play-off games.
That’s a devastating blow for the Robins who have been led all season long by their talismanic captain and now they’ll be without him for Friday’s game against Leeds Rhinos and one Super League play-off game.
However, a team outside the top six have been dealt a massive blow with a ban of their own with Catalans Dragons seeing centre Arthur Romano picking up a one-game suspension following the French side’s narrow victory over London Broncos.
Catalans only just won that game 12-8 with Romano’s second-half try being decisive but they look set to be without the international following today’s Match Review Panel verdict.
Super League star set to miss crucial must-win game
Credit: Imago Images
Romano has been handed a one-match ban for his Grade B charge of ‘Head Contact’ which means he will miss the club’s crucial game against Hull FC on Saturday.
The French side travel to the MKM Stadium for a Saturday afternoon kick-off in what will be the final regular season game of the Super League season.
By that stage, their play-off hopes could be almost over with Catalans only able to achieve 30 points, something that St Helens already have.
They’ll be hoping that Saints beat Leigh Leopards and Leeds Rhinos fail to beat Hull KR, meaning that they would be in the top six with a win.
Alternatively, should Leigh or Leeds win then Catalans would have to beat the Black and Whites by a considerable margin, and hope that Leigh also won by a heavy margin to overturn a 187 points differential with the Red Vee.
That will be difficult without the suspended Romano who has scored seven tries in Super League this year, including four in his last five matches.
His ban would only add to Steve McNamara’s selection issues with fellow centre Matt Ikuvalu injured as well as winger Tom Johnstone.
It would be a huge blow for Catalans to miss the play-0ffs considering they had made the Grand Final in two of the last three seasons.
