Why St Helens star avoided punishment despite being cited by disciplinary four times

11 players have been charged by the match review panel today and seven players banned.

No doubt fans of rival clubs will take to the minutes and see that St Helens star Matty Lees, who has been harshly yellow carded twice at crucial moments in defeats but not punished by the panel this season, had been cited by the panel four times but not charged nor banned.

But the minutes also explain why any outrage would be wrongly placed.

The first citation pertained to ‘Dangerous Contact.’ Why a charge didn’t ensue was because:

“Player swings legs around in the tackle but does not apply pressure to the legs of the opponent.”

The next was for a late hit however, Lees showed near perfect timing when going for a player who had “engaged” him thus the lack of charge is perfectly acceptable.

“Player is engaged by opponent who braces for impact”

The same can be said of the next ‘Dangerous Contact’ charge:

“Player drops knee towards opponent’s leg but does not apply pressure to the legs of the opponent.”

And certainly his ‘Headbutt’ citation as the allegations of a headbutt were wrongly placed:

“Player comes together in a melee with opponent but does not but opponent.”

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

Joe Batchelor – St Helens – Other Contrary Behaviour – A – No further action
Kenny Edwards – Castleford Tigers – Other Contrary Behaviour – C – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Bureta Faraimo – Castleford Tigers – Dangerous Contact – A – No further action
Bureta Faraimo – Castleford Tigers – Strikes – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Tom Holroyd – Leeds Rhinos – Dangerous Contact – B – £250 Fine
Willie Isa – Wigan Warriors – Dangerous Throw – C – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Michael McIlorum – Catalans Dragons – Trips – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Nathan Peats – Huddersfield Giants – Dangerous Contact – A – No further action
Jorge Taufua – Wakefield Trinity – Dangerous Contact – A – No further action
Siosiua Taukeiaho – Catalans Dragons – High Tackle – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Liam Watts – Castleford Tigers – Dangerous Contact – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Nathan Wildie – Leigh Leopards – Dangerous Contact – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice