Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the following sanctions have been issued.
Danny Houghton (Hull FC) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Chris McQueen (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Olly Russell (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade B Tripping – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Matt Prior (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade B High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Tiaki Chan (Catalans Dragons)- Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook (St Helens) – Grade A Contact with Referee – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Elijah Taylor (Salford Red Devils) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice
The following player was handed a caution:
Adam Milner (Castleford Tigers) – Dangerous Contact
For Danny Houghton and Tiaki Chan, the Disciplinary Match Review Panel’s minutes state: “Dangerous Contact – Defender uses any part of their body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.”
For Chris McQueen and Elijah Taylor: “Dangerous Contact – A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.”
For Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, however: “Deliberate or reckless physical contact with the match official.”
Given their respective good form, though, all five players were handed a Grade A with no match bans.
After being contacted by Serious About Rugby League, the RFL has revealed that neither Leeds nor Huddersfield will appeal the respective bans given to Matt Prior and Olly Russell following the weekend’s games.
If there has been one talking point in rugby league in 2022 so far it’s been that of lengthy bans and an increasing number of cards shown in games.
One touchy point has also been that of the Operations Tribunal appeal hearings and their decision to give some players an upgraded ban after appealing.
It’s a point of concern for Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson who revealed that the club would not dispute the ban handed to star centre Leroy Cudjoe last week because of its ‘pointless’ nature.
“We didn’t look to do that (appeal the ban), it’s pointless,” Watson said.
“It’s not worth it, you go down there and you get given a frivolous charge and get more games.”
Wigan Warriors are, however, set to appeal the two-match ban handed to hooker Brad O’Neill in the reserves’ win over Wakefield Trinity, the RFL confirmed to Serious About Rugby League today.
The hooker came into contact with the referee and was given a Grade C charge, but the appeal hearing will be held tonight.
