After the latest round of fixtures, Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons players landed in hot water with the match review panel.
A total of 16 charges were made and a huge eight of them were from late hits.
Remarkably, three late hits were from the same game on the same player in the shape of John Asiata of Leigh Leopards as their clash with Catalans Dragons was responsible for six charges with the French side responsible for exactly 25% of the overall charges this week.
Among them was a ban for Michael McIlorum for a late hit however the ban was overturned and it is safe to say Leigh fans were not happy with the decision with one even calling for the club to take legal action.
Joke, let that dirty lot get away with a collective £750 for constantly targeting certain players and hitting them high and late. Then you wonder why players sue you
— Why? (@LeopardsLad27) August 22, 2023
One fan described it as comedy.
Comedy channel
— John lamb (@Johnvincentlam2) August 22, 2023
However, on the other side of things, those in the Catalan camp felt that common sense had prevailed.
It's just plain daft this, the Three Blind Mice could see there was nowt in it. Since Steve Ganson got suspended the whole system's gone nuts. Someone needs to get a grip of it.
❤️💛 https://t.co/H83CIagkni— Catalan Media 🇨🇵 (@catalanmedia) August 22, 2023
The RFL made the following statement:
“Michael McIlorum of Catalans Dragons has successfully challenged the Grade B charge imposed by Monday’s meeting of the Match Review Panel, for late contact in Saturday’s Betfred Super League fixture at Leigh Leopards.
“McIlorum had been suspended for one match, but the ORT ruled that he was not guilty of the charge, and he is now free to play in this weekend’s fixture against Wigan Warriors.”
The other player suspended, Hull FC skipper Carlos Tuimavave, was hit with a two match ban for a dangerous throw against Wigan on Friday night.
Despite Tony Smith’s dismay at the decision, Hull did not appeal the centre’s ban meaning he will miss two games whilst McIlorum is back in time to face his former club Wigan in a crucial game at the top of the table.
Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:
Chris Atkin (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Dangerous Lift – £250 Fine
Greg Eden (Castleford Tigers) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine
Jay Pitts (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade A Late Contact – Not Applicable
Mason Lino (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade B Late Contact – £250 Fine
Cameron Smith (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade B Late Contact – £250 Fine
Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons) – Grade B Late Contact – £250 Fine
Julian Bousquet (Catalans Dragons) – Grade B Late Contact – £250 Fine
Mitchell Pearce (Catalans Dragons) – Grade A High Tackle – £250 Fine
Michael McIlorum (Catalans Dragons) – Grade B Late Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards) – Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour – Not Applicable
Tom Briscoe (Leigh Leopards) – Grade A Reactionary Trip – Not Applicable
Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine
Jimmy Keinhorst (Hull KR) – Grade B Late Contact – £250 Fine
Tom Opacic (Hull KR) – Grade B Late Contact – £250 Fine
Matt Parcell (Hull KR) – Grade B Intentional Trip – £250 Fine
Carlos Tuimavave (Hull FC) – Grade D Dangerous Throw – 2 Match Penalty Notice
The following player was handed a caution:
Suiai Matagi (Castleford Tigers) – Late Contact
