Why St Helens’ Jack Welsby escaped a ban despite being cited against Castleford Tigers

St Helens fans will have been nervously waiting for the Disciplinary Match Review Panel results this afternoon after two of their men looked in danger of being charged.

One of those was forward Curtis Sironen who was yellow carded by referee Chris Kendall for a high tackle with the other being Jack Welsby whose late tackle was penalised.

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

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

It’s been a busy old day for the Disciplinary Match Review Panel with ten players charged, eight banned and one cautioned, but one of those that hasn’t been charged is Welsby.

The Saints fullback was cited but not charged because the MRP revealed that: “Player is making a legitimate front on tackle and almost makes contact with opponent prior to the ball being released.”

It means that whilst Sironen will miss Saints’ next two fixtures away at Hull FC and then at home against Hull KR, but Welsby will be free to play – which will indeed be music to Saints’ fans ears particularly after their latest injury crisis.