Three Super League stars face mega bans at tribunal

Charges arising from Round One of the Betfred Super League season, following Monday’s meeting of the RFL’s Match Review Panel have been revealed with one Hull FC star set to face a mammoth ban ahead of tribunal.

This is unsurprisingly Hull FC star Franklin Pele after his red card against Hull KR in the opener after his swinging arm saw him sent off.

Meanwhile, Catalans Dragons hooker Michael McIlorum is also facing the prospect of a long term of up to six matches for his red card against Warrington Wolves.

Meanwhile, Liam Watts will also face a tribunal and a long term ban.

As explained by the RFL, for offences graded A-D, recommended punishments are included – with players and their clubs able to challenge at an Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday evening.

For charges of Grade E and F, the player is required to appear at an ORT on Tuesday evening.

Robert Hicks, the RFL’s Director of Operations and Legal, said: “As we have outlined in various forums in the build-up to the Betfred Super League season, there have been a number of changes to the Head Contact Sanctioning Framework for 2024 – and Match Officials and the Match Review Panel share the responsibility for implementing these changes.

“The number of yellow and red cards shown in the opening round of the Betfred Super League has already become a talking point, and doubtless the number of charges arising from the MRP meeting will be similar – but it is important to provide some context.

“Of the 13 cards shown, 10 of the incidents would have led to a card being shown under the framework that applied in 2023.

“One area which has made a difference is in head on head contact, and the responsibility of attacking and tackling players in this area.

“Just as the sport should be grateful to the commitment of Match Officials and the MRP in implementing change at such a pivotal period for the sport, we also reiterate our gratitude to clubs, coaches and players for their positive approach over recent months.

“It was a highly successful opening round of Betfred Super League fixtures, and it is right that the focus is already turning to the second round of matches, and also the Betfred World Club Challenge.”

Super League disciplinary charges

Herman Ese’Ese (Hull FC) – Grade D Head Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice & £250 Fine

Jayden Okunbor (Hull FC) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine

Franklin Pele (Hull FC) – Grade E Head Contact – Refer to Tribunal

Matt Parcell (Hull KR) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Ligi Sao (Hull FC) – Grade D Other Contrary Behaviour – 3 Match Penalty Notice & £250 Fine

Tom Amone (Leigh Leopards) – Grade C Head Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice

Jack Hughes (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine

Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Head Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Zak Hardaker (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine

Ryan Brierley (Salford Red Devils) – Grade C Head Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Charbel Tasipale (Castleford Tigers) – Grade C Head Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift – £250 Fine

Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers) – Grade E Head Contact – Refer to Tribunal

Michael McIlorum (Catalans Dragons) – Grade E Head Contact – Refer to Tribunal

Jordan Crowther (Warrington Wolves) – Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Paul Seguier (Catalans Dragons) – Grade D Head Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice and £250 Fine