Why Konrad Hurrell avoided ban despite reportedly swearing at referee

Plenty of questions have been asked of St Helens’ disciplinary and that was the case again this week.

But not so much the rest of the league with a less than busy match review panel this week.

Since Easter, which is naturally a fiery weekend of rugby league action where plenty of big tackles and the off fight are seen, we have been in the double digits for charges by the match review panel.

This weekend we’re down to just five players and one caution.

This is despite the fact that five cards where handed out this week.

Hull FC star Jake Trueman avoids any action despite his yellow card as does Siosiua Taukeiaho after the Catalans Dragons player was sin binned following a heavy collision with Jack Welsby of St Helens.

The other player yellow carded in that game is not so lucky with Konrad Hurrell fined as those questions about discipline continue to be raised.

Hurrell received his ban for what the panel describes as “disputing a decision.”

It is interesting that we have seen longer bans for “foul and abusive language towards the match official” and according to Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke and the audio from referee Liam Moore, Hurrell seemingly swore.

Pyke said:

“You can hear Liam Moore say very clearly ‘he just swore at me.’ You cannot do that and that is just poor, poor discipline and ill-discipline from Konrad Hurrell.

“You can’t swear at the referee.”

However, the lack of ban seems to suggest the language wasn’t directed at the referee but simply the decision.

Elsewhere, The only player to receive a red card this week Kevin Proctor of Wakefield Trinity is free to play this week as he is also fined.

The other player carded, Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin, is also not punished.

Leeds do have three players charged with Richie Myler and Harry Newman both fined.

Sam Lisone is charged with a Grade A and not punished. Julian Bousquet is cautioned for dangerous contact.

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Charges

Sam Lisone – Leeds Rhinos – Dangerous Contact – A – Not applicable

Richie Myler – Leeds Rhinos – Other Contrary Behaviour – B – £250 Fine

Harry Newman – Leeds Rhinos – Dangerous Contact – B – £250 Fine

Kevin Proctor – Wakefield Trinity – High Tackle – B – £250 Fine

Konrad Hurrell – St Helens – Disputes Decision – A – £250 Fine

Cautions

Julien Bousquet – Catalans Dragons – Dangerous Contact – N/A – N/A