Super League star set for controversial ban? – Jon Wilkin has his say

Today is the match review panel in the latest twist in the latest Super League Disciplinary saga.

This time the verdicts are going to have a real impact on do or die clashes because the Super League clubs are entering the Challenge Cup this weekend.

It is a huge set of fixtures in the Challenge Cup and Super League sides in the all Super League clashes will be worrying about potential bans that could derail or flat out end their road to Wembley in 2024.

Former Super League star Iestyn Harris, who led Leeds Rhinos to Challenge Cup glory against London Broncos at Wembley Stadium 25 years ago, was in the Sportsday studio to conduct the draw – and his former club will face St Helens who they meet this Friday in the Betfred Super League (15 March).

Record holders Wigan Warriors will host Sheffield Eagles – who famously caused an upset in their one and only Challenge Cup Final appearance in 1998 with Head Coach Mark Aston the Lance Todd Trophy winner that day.

Batley Bulldogs, the first winners of the cup in 1897, will welcome back their former coach Craig Lingard to the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium in his new position with Castleford Tigers.

Last year’s runners up Hull KR have a tough home tie against a Salford Red Devils team who have won their last three fixtures.

But could these fixtures be impacted by Super League Disciplinary.

Super League star shouldn’t be banned says Wilkin

The biggest cup tie of the round is undoubtedly the rematch between Super League rivals Leeds Rhinos and St Helens and fans will be hoping that it isn’t impacted by disciplinary.

Some Leeds fans may feel that St Helens star Sione Mata’utia should be banned after he tackled James Bentley off the ball resulting in a head injury assessment for Bentley.

However, Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin had a different view as he said it was just a penalty with no suggestion that there should be a ban.

He said: “The ball is released by James Bentley and he is absolutely carved in two by Sione Mata’utia, it’s a late tackle.

“It’s a late tackle but nothing more. It’s a penalty and Bentley has stayed down and you can see why because he’s been hit very hard there.

“The referee has given a penalty, that’s all it will be. James Bentley will now go off for a head assessment because he’s felt the full effects of that.

“It’s given Leeds another chance but now they have lost one of their best players for the rest of the game, it’s a hard game at times.”