Why Leeds Rhinos man received fine as Featherstone Rovers and Castleford Tigers men avoid punishments after bust up

Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers players have been cited by the Disciplinary Panel following the first two pre-season friendlies of the season.

James Donaldson of the Rhinos was found guilty of a Grade B dangerous throw whilst Castleford Tigers’ Cain Robb was cautioned for pushing.

Donaldson’s offence came against Wakefield Trinity as the Rhinos lost to their West Yorkshire derby on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, on New Year’s Eve Robb coped his caution against Featherstone Rovers as the Tigers prepared for their Super League season.

In the minutes from the match review panel, they revealed why he received a fine noting that other tackler’s actions were part of the problem:

“Dangerous Throw – Other tackler’s actions were part of the problem (only applies where
Player is not aware of other tackler’s actions).”

Donaldson was shown a yellow card for the incident as was Robb whose pushing was branded as  “Other Contrary Behaviour” by the panel as he was cautioned.

The other player involved also received a yellow card in the shape of Featherstone Rovers’ Josh Hardcastle. Though he was not given a caution for the following reason: “Player is trying to regain fight and does not throw arm into the player.”

All three players will likely play plenty more minutes before the start of the season with all three club’s pencilling in friendlies.