Two players set for long term bans

Three players have been charged following incidents in last Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup Third Round tie between Orrell St James and Midlands Hurricanes.

Two Orrell St James players – Sam Wilson and Jake Williams – have been referred to next Tuesday’s Operational Rules Tribunal. Wilson is charged with Grade F punching, and Williams with a Grade E dangerous throw.

Both these Grades could carry long term bans.

Wilson has also been charged with using foul and abusive language towards the match official, a Grade D charge which carries a two-match penalty notice.

Dominic Flanagan of Midlands Hurricanes has been charged with Grade C dangerous contact, which carries a one-match penalty notice.

Four other players have been charged, including Josh Hardcastle of Featherstone Rovers who was sent off late in their Cup defeat by Halifax Panthers for kicking, which has been graded C with a one-match penalty notice.

This came after he had scored in a closely fought defeat to the Panthers, and Featherstone’s first of the season.

In Super League this week, the Match Review Panel issued the following sanctions:

Manu Mau (Catalans Dragons) – Grade B Strikes – £250 fine
Cameron Smith (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 fine
Joe Westerman (Castleford Tigers) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 fine
Tom Opacic (Hull KR) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – N/A
Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 fine
Josh Griffin (Hull FC) – Grade B Trips – £250 fine
Jack Brown (Hull FC) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – £250 fine
The following player was handed a caution:

Matty Lees (St Helens) – Dangerous Contact