Today the Match Review Panel met and Wigan Warriors, Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and St Helens star have landed in hot water after a disciplinary review.
There have been three suspensions from the panel among the 11 charges that were issued.
These bans were handed out to Wigan Warriors, Hull FC and St Helens stars.
Kaide Ellis and James Bell were banned for late hits and Brad Fash was banned for other contrary behaviour due to a late hit.
Fortunately for the Challenge Cup Final and the trip to Wembley for Hull KR and Leigh Leopards, none of their players received bans.
However, one of the players who came close was Matt Davis who was fined for a high tackle and was cited for a dangerous throw but avoided a punishment for the latter due to the fact Luke Hooley was brought to the ground safely:
“Player lifts opponent but then brings opponent back safely to ground,” the panel said.
“Ooooo, Luke Hooley is almost tipped up. It’s enough for Marcus Griffiths to penalise Leigh. It’s Matt Davis involved protesting his innocence,” Bill Arthur said on Sky Sports as Luke Hooley was lifted into a dangerous position.
This came as Jon Wilkin claimed Edwin Ipape and Joe Wardle saved the situation: “I think Edwin Ipape and (Joe) Wardle deserve a lot of credit for making the tackle safe. It was looking like it was going to be dangerous, Matt Davis was the one driving that lifting up the legs and his two teammates have saved him here from a card or a sending off and a suspension.”
Phil Clarke would then add: “And more importantly for a possible injury for the player and that is the most important thing.”
This came before Wilkin paid credit to the hooker and back row: “Absolutely, credit Ipape and Wardle for salvaging that different situation.”
Finally, Bill Arthur added: “Well that’s exactly what got Kai O’Donnell that six game ban for that tackle in the cup tie against York and that did go wrong.”
Thus, Davis will be eligible to play against Hull KR on Saturday.
