Why Super League star was BANNED as others dodged suspension

Last week we were treated to a golden point thriller between Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR, a fast paced battle between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves as well as a so called “Grand Final dress rehearsal” between St Helens and Catalans Dragons.

In fact it was a great yet pivotal weekend of rugby all across the division. At the bottom Wakefield Trinity went over to Huddersfield Giants looking for their third win on the spin but came up very short as the Giants turned on the style as they appear to have well and truly turned the corner.

This gave Castleford Tigers the opportunity to storm four points clear in the race for survival but they were beaten comfortably by Hull FC who keep their play-off hopes alive.

Speaking of play-off hopes, Salford Red Devils’ were well and truly hurt by another defeat this time to Leigh Leopards in a 24-22 nail biter.

A great weekend of action of high points and low points but sadly attention always has to turn to disciplinary on Monday.

A total of eight players were charged by the Match Review Panel including three Wigan Warriors stars and the brilliant Bevan French.

However, all three were only fined. In fact seven of the eight players were fined.

Liam Hood is the man suspended for one game due to dangerous contact.

His teammate Max Jowitt was one of the seven who avoided a ban for striking. Meanwhile, Alex Mellor was charged with the exact same offence as Hood but not banned.

This is likely because of Hood’s previous record. He has been previously banned this year.

The Match Review Panel minutes state:

Dangerous Contact – A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has
been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head,
neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to
that player.

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

Liam Hood (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Max Jowitt (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade B Strikes – £250 Fine
Adam Milner (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Bevan French (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – £250 Fine
Kaide Ellis (Wigan Warriors) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Harvie Hill (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
James Bentley (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Alex Mellor (Castleford Tigers) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
The following players have received a caution:

David Fusitua (Leeds Rhinos) – Raises knee in tackle
Romain Navarrete (Catalans Dragons) – Raises knee in tackle