Super League star calls out RFL after Wigan Warriors star avoids ban

The Match Review Panel of the RFL has disclosed the charges for Round One of the Betfred Super League season with a big focus on whether or not Wigan Warriors players would be banned ahead of the World Club Challenge.

Hull FC’s Franklin Pele is expected to receive a lengthy ban as he faces the tribunal for his red card against Hull KR. His swinging arm caused his dismissal.

Catalans Dragons’ Michael McIlorum is also at risk of a six-match ban for his red card against Warrington Wolves.

Liam Watts of Castleford Tigers will also face a tribunal and may receive a long-term ban. The RFL has stated that recommended punishments are included for offences graded A-D. Players and their clubs can challenge these punishments at an Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday evening.

If a player is charged with Grade E or F, they are required to appear at an ORT on Tuesday evening. So, the cases of the three players charged with Grade E offences will be heard alongside the appealing Ryan Brierley tonight. The RFL has strong cases against all three players charged with Grade E offences, which means that they are likely to receive some sort of ban. This will increase the total number of players banned after the first round to 12.

However, some will argue that it could have been 13. The burning question among Wigan Warriors fans was whether or not star man Harry Smith would pick up a ban for his tip tackle.

He has avoided a ban however with the RFL explaining: “The Wigan Warriors scrum half Harry Smith will be available to play in that game after the dangerous throw/lift charge for which he was sin-binned at Castleford on Saturday was graded as B. This was because the unnatural actions of the tackled player significantly contributed to the outcome of the tackle.”

Super League star calls out RFL after Wigan Warriors star avoids ban

Huddersfield Giants skipper Luke Yates was banned for a similar tackle in pre-season and given a three match ban missing the start of the season.

After Smith avoided a ban, Yates took to Instagram and shared videos comparing his tackle to Smith’s as well as one from Adam Keighran against Hull FC in pre-season.

Yates was not trying to say the Wigan duo deserved bans but wanted to ask what the difference was as to why he received a three match ban.

He said on Instagram: “I’m not trying to speak for all players in the Super League, but consistency from the disciplinary panel would be very much appreciated.

“I am in no way saying the first two clips should receive punishment – the best Super League players need to be on the field throughout the season, and Harry and Adam absolutely deserve to play in the World Club Challenge this weekend.

“I am simply asking for clarification on why I have received a fine and a 3 game ban for tackling a player who then lands on his back, and the first two clips didn’t receive a suspension. I wouldn’t usually speak up on situations like this, but being silent on this issue isn’t an option.”