Round 16 of the Super League has concluded, which means teams will be anticipating the Match Review Panel’s verdicts in Super League disciplinary once again.
Last time out, we saw five bans handed out as St Helens’s Sione Mata’utia, Catalans duo Michael McIlorum, Elliot Wallis of Huddersfield and London Broncos’ Emanuel Waine all saw themselves banned for a game – although most could use the Super League reserves’ game loophole to make sure they didn’t miss any first-team games.
This week, despite the Euros having no Thursday fixtures, the roundstarted on Friday night, and we had an early shock as Castleford Tigers narrowly beat St Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium thanks to late Rowan Milnes penalty kicks.
It saw Castleford’s improved performances of late finally culminate in points on the board.
Elsewhere, Wigan Warriors took an 18-6 victory against nearby Leigh Leopards to take them four points clear of Saints.
The other Friday night fixture was a different story: Huddersfield Giants were poor, and allowed Warrington Wolves a 48-0 win in a game that saw eight tries from eight different scorers.
Meanwhile, Saturday was a day of golden-point drama, as Leeds Rhinos made the most of London Broncos errors as Brodie Croft’s boot snatched them a 17-16 victory.
After that, remarkably, we were into golden point extra-time again, as the travelling Catalans Dragons took the win thanks to Theo Fages after both sides had missed drop-goal attempts.
Finally, Hull FC were edged out by Paul Rowley’s Salford Red Devils 22-20 largely thanks to Marc Sneyd’s boot and playmaking.
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Across the six games, just three yellow cards were handed out including two in the game between Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors with both Robbie Mulhern and Brad O’Neill spending ten minutes in the sin bin for a high shot and tipping respectively.
On Sunday, Tom Briscoe saw yellow for a professional foul and all three sides will have been fearful of Super League disciplinary action ahead of a huge round of games.
The Match Review Panel have now met and confirmed their verdict.
Wigan Warriors players have been handed plenty of charges this week. Mike Cooper and Luke Thompson have both been given Grade B charges – for Head Contact and Dangerous Contact respectively – and handed £250 fines.
However, Brad O’Neill has been given a one match ban for a Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift, which will be a big blow for the Warriors ahead of their huge derby game against St Helens at the weekend.
Moses Mbye of St Helens has also been given a one match ban, as has James Harrison of Warrington Wolves.
A duo of Leigh Leopards players got £250 fines – Robbie Mulhern, who was sin-binned, and John Asiata.
Finally, Yusuf Aydin of Hull FC was also fined.
The full list of charges can be found below.
- Mike Cooper (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Head Contact – £250 Fine
- Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
- Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
- Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift – 1 Match Penalty Notice
- John Asiata (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Head Contact – £250 Fine
- James Harrison (Warrington Wolves) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
- Yusuf Aydin (Hull FC) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
- Moses Mbye (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
