Why Leeds Rhinos quartet avoided bans

The match review panel has confirmed its findings from Round 11 of the Betfred Super League.

One side is featured more than most.

Much was made of Leeds Rhinos’ errors and ill-discipline against Salford Red Devils as they were beaten and they have had three players charged by the match review panel.

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.

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

Zooming in on the issue of the Rhinos themselves, some fans, especially Salford fans, might ask why none of their players were banned.

Richie Myler’s minutes simply branded his use of the knees as “other contrary behaviour” and with it being Grade B and not higher it is no surprise that there was no ban given here.

Sam Lisone’s and Harry Newman’s charges were both for late contact on the passer. Newman’s was deemed more severe hence the fine but neither player were seen to have caused enough risk to warrant a ban. Previous record may have come into play.

Meanwhile, Austin avoided any punishment for his yellow card with it being deemed a professional foul.

Some Leeds fans had feared it would be seen as a trip but that is not the case.