Why Super League star avoided punishment for incident that injured opponent

In a brilliant weekend of rugby Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR met in a golden point thriller, Wigan Warriors defeated Warrington Wolves in a fast paced affair and St Helens were beaten by Catalans Dragons in a game many likened to a semi-final.

There were semi-final like stakes for Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers as well as they battle for survival. Wakefield were unable to draw level with Cas on Friday night against Huddersfield Giants but the Tigers were unable to capitalise against Hull FC on Saturday.

That win boosted Hull’s play-off hopes whilst Salford Red Devils’ were hurt against Leigh Leopard who gave themselves the perfect momentum ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final this weekend.

Speaking of the semi-finals, that likely created more anxiety around today’s disciplinary and when Wigan saw three of their players named they may have panicked for a second until they realised they were all fined.

However, there has been some backlash from their semi-final opponents Hull KR fans around Bevan French’s fine.

French was fined for a dangerous tackle but some have suggested that he touched an injured player in the same way Shaun Kenny-Dowall was banned for four games for.

French wasn’t cited for this and was only cited for the dangerous throw which was graded B. This could have yielded a ban but his prior record means he only receives a fine.

Meanwhile, some Warrington fans wanted Kai Pearce-Paul punished for the incident that saw Joe Philbin helped from the field sparking debate about the 18th man rule.

However, Philbin was the one deemed in the wrong position saving Pearce-Paul from punishment and showing the value of a second look and how the match review panel takes many different factors into account.

The Match Review Panel said of the matter:

“Player does not promote shoulder into contact. Opponent gets head into wrong position when making tackle.”

So Kai Pearce-Paul will be able to back up his brilliant performance against Warrington in the Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull KR on Sunday at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium.

The Warriors are looking for a second consecutive Challenge Cup.