Warrington Wolves star slams Paul Vaughan charge

Warrington Wolves are desperate to secure a play off spot alongside the likes of Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards and Hull KR but are in a shoot out with Salford Red Devils for sixth position and therefore need to defeat Huddersfield Giants to secure their play off spot.

However, they face a real problem with Paul Vaughan facing a lengthy ban for a Grade E “unnecessary contact” against St Helens. This threatens to derail their season.

It has divided opinion certainly and one Warrington player has slammed the decision.

Peter Mata’utia took to Twitter to say: “That is crazy” in response to the charge.

As a result of the charge, Vaughan is now facing a 4-6 week ban which would see him ruled out of this weeks match against Huddersfield Giants, as well as any potential playoff action.

In the minutes disclosed by the RFL, the panel stated Vaughan “makes unnecessary contact with a player who is or may be injured.”

The incident occurred following a tackle on Sione Mata’utia, in which Vaughan moves Mata’utia in order for play to be resumed.

Vaughan will go to a tribunal this evening (Tuesday 19th September) to discover his fate; however he could be ruled out for the remainder of Warrington’s season.

He joined the Wire this season from the Canterbury Bulldogs, and has gone on to make 27 appearances for the club.

Another Warrington forward was also charged by the Match Review Panel this week, in the form of Thomas Mikaele. The forward, who returned to the Halliwell Jones in August, was charged with a grade B high tackle and has been fined £250; however he remains eligible for selection this week against the Giants.

Connor Wrench also found himself on the wrong side of the Match Review Panel this week. The young back was charged with grade A dangerous contact, but he will also be available to play at the John Smith’s on Friday night.

Elsewhere, the match review panel cited a further six players this week on top of the Wire trio. These were:

Tommy Makinson (St Helens) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine
Kaide Ellis (Wigan Warriors) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Jai Whitbread (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Kevin Proctor (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Kai O’Donnell (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour – 2 Match Penalty Notice

The following player was handed a caution:

Romain Navarette (Catalans Dragons) – Raises knee in tackle – N/A