Why Wigan Warriors star avoided ban

Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR served up a golden point thriller, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves collided in a fast paced battle and St Helens were edged by Catalans Dragons in what was described as a “Grand Final dress rehearsal” in a brilliant weekend for Super League.

There was more drama at the bottom of the league as per usual. Wakefield Trinity went to Huddersfield Giants hoping to make it three wins on the spin and four wins in five games but came up short against the Giants who appear back on track under Ian Watson.

Castleford Tigers subsequently had the chance to move four points clear but lost to Hull FC who boost their play-off hopes as Salford Red Devils’ chances of play-off rugby took a hit against Leigh Leopards.

The Leopards gave themselves the perfect springboard into this week’s Challenge Cup semi-final with the win.

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.

The Match Review Panel notes state:

“Dangerous Throw – lifting opponent into dangerous position.”

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