Why St Helens star avoided ban despite multiple citations

Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards have all landed themselves in trouble after the Match Review Panel met.

In total 14 disciplinary charges were handed out including six bans five of which were given to Super League stars.

However, one man who avoided a ban despite two potential high tackles was Mark Percival.

For one charge he avoided a ban due to inconclusive footage whilst the other was because he made contact with the chest first.

Case Number: ON/1577/23
Name: Mark Percival
Club and Shirt Number: St Helens, 4
Match: St Helens v Leigh Leopards
Competition and Date: Betfred Super League, 8th September 2023
Report Received From: MRP
Time: 15 11
Details of Allegation: High Tackle
Decision: NFA
Details of Charge / Reason for NFA: Footage inconclusive as to point of contact.
Penalty Notice: N/A

Case Number: ON/1578/23
Name: Mark Percival
Club and Shirt Number: St Helens, 4
Match: St Helens v Leigh Leopards
Competition and Date: Betfred Super League, 8th September 2023
Report Received From: MRP
Time: 26 46
Details of Allegation: High Tackle
Decision: NFA
Details of Charge / Reason for NFA: Player makes initial contact with the chest and rides up.

The action started at Belle Vue where a valiant Wakefield fell 18-0 down. Though they finished with a flourish, they went on to suffer defeat 18-10.

Elsewhere on Friday night, Castleford Tigers stormed to victory over Hull FC helped by a drop goal and a brilliant brace of tries from the young Jason Qareqare.

A defeat for Hull FC but their rivals Hull KR further cemented their play off spot as they defeated Huddersfield Giants to end their own play off hopes.

But the main event on Friday night was indeed the clash between Leigh Leopards and St Helens which was one of the games of the season and showed that both of them can compete when it comes to the end of the season.

Saturday though saw the big game but it was something of a squash match as Wigan Warriors ran in nine tries against Leeds Rhinos with Jake Wardle scoring a hat trick to humiliate the Rhinos and hand them one of their worst ever defeats.

Lastly on Sunday, Warrington suffered golden point heart ache against Salford.

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

Joe Wardle (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine

Tom Amone (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Raising knee in Tackle – £250 Fine

Renouf Atoni (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Arthur Romano (Catalans Dragons) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £250 Fine

Abbas Miski (Wigan Warriors) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – Not Applicable

David Fusitu’a (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine

Sam Walters (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Luke Yates (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Jack Ashworth (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Brad Singleton (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Matty Nicholson (Warrington Wolves) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine

Thomas Mikaele (Warrington Wolves) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine

Harrison Gilmore (Leeds Rhinos Academy) – Grade C High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Will Groves (Castleford Tigers Academy) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £25 Fine

The following players have received a caution:

Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards) – Dangerous Contact

Will Pryce (Huddersfield Giants) – Other Contrary Behaviour