Super League star avoids ban despite being cited by disciplinary four times

Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity and Huddersfield Giants stars have been left in hot water after the Match Review Panel this week.

Wigan fans might have been left panicked for a moment ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull KR at Headingley as they had three players charged including star Bevan French.

However, all three players were only fined. In fact seven of the eight players charged were only fined with only Liam Hood of Wakefield Trinity suspended for one game but even that is obsolete given he will be able to serve that ban this weekend through the reserves fixture.

Despite eight players being charged, one player avoided a ban despite being cited four times.

That was Romain Navarrete who was cited three times along for: “Raised knee by ball carrier.”

He was also handed a caution alongside Leeds Rhinos star David Fusitu’a for this.

His other citation came for: “Player makes initial contact with the shoulder and rides up into the neck.”

This was when he caught Jonny Lomax high in the second half as Lomax looked to cut inside of the Dragons cover defence.

The former Wigan prop was slammed by Barrie McDermott for his “poor technique.”

Last week, Navarrete was fined by the match review panel. It will be interesting if they take any action against this.

Liam Moore didn’t on the field perhaps because initial contact came on the shoulder of Lomax.

Steve McNamara will be happy that his player has avoided punishment as they look to secure a second League Leaders’ Shield in three seasons now that they are firmly in pole position after their win over St Helens at the weekend.

However, in the eyes of many, Navarrete stripped the ball at the end of the game and Saints should have been given a penalty to level the game and send what many were describing as a “Grand Final dress rehearsal” to golden point extra time.

This decision didn’t come and Navarrete now has a week to get ready for his next game as he continues to be a key part of the league’s best team at present.