Why Leeds Rhinos trio and Castleford Tigers’ Liam Watts all received hefty bans

Eagle-eyed viewers will have noticed that the Disciplinary Match Review Panel issued its sanctions today following the weekend’s Super League fixtures.

Among those cited and charged were:

Korbin Sims (Hull KR) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Frankie Halton (Hull KR) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Will Pryce (Huddersfield) – Grade B Trip – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Jordan Lane (Hull FC) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Liam Watts (Castleford) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Curtis Sironen (St Helens) – Grade B High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
David Fusitua (Leeds) – Grade C High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Aidan Sezer (Leeds) – Grade C Trip – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Rhyse Martin (Leeds) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Tiaki Chan (Catalans) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 2 Match Penalty Notice
The following player was handed a caution:

Elijah Taylor (Salford) – Other Contrary Behaviour

Now, looking at the Leeds bans, that is three key men that will be sitting out the next few games with talisman Aidan Sezer, star winger David Fusitu’a and goalkicker Rhyse Martin facing time on the sidelines.

But why is that?

First up is David Fusitu’a who will be banned for two games because the Match Review Panel states: “Law 15.1 (b) High Tackle – Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about out come Grade C.”

Rhyse Martin is the next to fall foul of the MRP after making Dangerous Contact: “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. Grade A.”

And, last but not least for the Rhinos is Aidan Sezer, whose trip on Salford’s Brodie Croft was a focal point during the game. The MRP simply states: “Trips – Intentional Trip Grade C.”

Then there is Castleford’s Liam Watts who will be banned for a FIFTH time: “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. Grade B.”