Why St Helens’ Jack Welsby escaped a ban despite yellow card

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

Mason Lino (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Josh Griffin (Hull FC) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Morgan Knowles (St Helens) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice
James Bell (St Helens) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Andrew Dixon (Toulouse) – Grade A Trip – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Thomas Leuluai (Wigan) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Tim Lafai (Salford) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice

However, St Helens star Jack Welsby has not been cautioned or charged for the sinbin that he was given in the early stages of Saints’ win over Hull KR at the weekend.

The Disciplinary Match Review Panel stated just why: “Player pushes opponent to slow down restart. Professional foul.”

Meanwhile, Mason Lino and Tim Lafai were both handed one-match bans.

With Wakefield Trinity overcoming Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils going down to the Wigan Warriors, both Lino and Lafai were cited and charged by the Panel.

However, they will be free to play in their next Super League fixtures despite the one-match suspensions.

That is because both can use the international clash taking place this weekend between England and the Combined Nations All Stars to act as the game they will be banned for as they were both set to play for Ellery Hanley’s All Stars.

It is a loophole that has worked in many players’ favours in the 2022 Super League season so far including Castleford Tigers’ Liam Watts.