Wigan Warriors star charged by disciplinary – Here’s why

Wigan Warriors are preparing for a Grand Final against Catalans Dragons but will have been worried about the prospect of picking up a ban or two for the final.

One of their most important players was charged alongside Grand Final opponents Siosiua Taukeiaho and Mike McMeeken.

Taukeiaho was fined and McMeeken was given no punishment.

As for Wigan’s star, Liam Marshall was fined for tripping.

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League, Betfred Championship and Betfred Women’s Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalans Dragons) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine
Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons) – Grade A High Tackle – Not applicable
Sione Mata’utia (St Helens) – Grade C Strikes – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Matty Lees (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Moses Mbye (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Brad Schneider (Hull KR) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – £250 Fine
Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Trips – £250 Fine
Brad Day (Featherstone Rovers) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – £125 Fine
Jason Baitieri (Bradford Bulls) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

The last time Wigan got a ban there was real controversy because they were able to avoid serving them in the semi-final via the reserve loophole.

Serious About Rugby League understands that this is being looked at.

Liam Marshall is a vital cog for the Warriors after his hat-trick last week. Thus, Wigan will be delighted to avoid a ban for the winger.

The Warriors went into the game as favourites as they did at the home of Leeds Rhinos earlier this year when they lost to Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi-final to set up the first Wembley final without Leeds, Wigan, St Helens and Warrington Wolves since 1986.

The Robins knew if they won they would set up the first Grand Final ever without St Helens, Leeds or opponents Wigan.

The Cherry and Whites got off to a flying start as Liam Marshall crossed the whitewash just two minutes into the game. A sweeping move through the Wigan backline found the ball in Jai Field’s hands, and the fullback burst through a gap and sent Marshall in for the games first try.

Field turned from provider to scorer as he put his name on the scoreboard in the sixth minute. A Harry Smith kick caused chaos in the Robins back line, and with a bit of luck the ball hit Field’s shin and he pounced on the ball to score.

Marshall made KR pay for a piece of ill-discipline as he slid over for his brace. The winger wrong footed three defenders on the left edge and extend Wigan’s lead to 16 points with just 12 minutes played.

Hull KR capitalised on a poor piece of handling from Abbas Miski to get their first points of the afternoon, as Elliot Minchella powered over from short range.

As was the case in the first half, Marshall scored with just two minutes played in the half. A kick from Harry Smith was swatted back by a Wigan hand, and another kick from French fell perfectly into Marshall’s hands for the winger to score his third.

Another Harry Smith cross-field kick caused chaos for the Hull KR defence, but this time it directly led to a try. Smith’s kick was swatted back by Kai Pearce-Paul and it fell directly into French’s hands who put it on a plate for King and the centre gleefully dived over to score on his final appearance at the DW in Cherry and White.

Jai Field grabbed a well deserved brace to score Wigan’s sixth try. Quick feet from prop Patrick Mago created a crack in the Robins line, and Field burst through it to score.

Not to be outdone by his partner on the other edge, Abbas Miski grabbed his 28th try of the season.