Why Leeds Rhinos star avoided ban despite being cited by the disciplinary four times

Leeds Rhinos fans were fearful this week that they could see a number of their players banned by the match review panel.

The Rhinos let errors and ill-discipline undermine them as they battled Salford Red Devils on Friday night and three of their players were charged by the match review panel however none were fined either.

In the case of Sam Lisone, he avoided any punishment whatsoever for his late hit which was deemed as a Grade A dangerous contact charge.

As a Grade A offence, this would not carry a ban.

Meanwhile he was cited a further two times for suspected shoulder charges.

However in both cases it was deemed that wasn’t the technique used and that there was no contact with the head.

Lastly, he was also cited for striking with the arm but the match review panel were happy that there was no promotion of the arm and therefore no need for any punishment.

It seems then Lisone for the most part played the game right on the edge which in truth is a good thing if a player can stay on the right side of that line as Lisone seemed to do on Friday based off this.

In a difficult display for Leeds fans to stomach, Lisone perhaps produced his best performance in a Leeds shirt with some top charges with the ball.

Leeds will be hoping he can continue to do that especially with big games coming up.

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