ROBERT HICKS, the RFL’s Director of Operations and Legal, has explained the process behind the Super League charges handed to 16 players following Round One over the weekend.
With nine players immediately banned and a further three – Hull FC’s Franklin Pele, Castleford’s Liam Watts and Catalans’ Michael McIlorum – heading to an Operational Rules Tribunal – it’s fair to say that the Disciplinary Match Review Panel has caused great debate in its findings.
The charges were as followed:
Herman Ese’Ese (Hull FC) – Grade D Head Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice & £250 Fine
Jayden Okunbor (Hull FC) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Franklin Pele (Hull FC) – Grade E Head Contact – Refer to Tribunal
Matt Parcell (Hull KR) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Ligi Sao (Hull FC) – Grade D Other Contrary Behaviour – 3 Match Penalty Notice & £250 Fine
Tom Amone (Leigh Leopards) – Grade C Head Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Jack Hughes (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Head Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Zak Hardaker (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Ryan Brierley (Salford Red Devils) – Grade C Head Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Charbel Tasipale (Castleford Tigers) – Grade C Head Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift – £250 Fine
Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers) – Grade E Head Contact – Refer to Tribunal
Michael McIlorum (Catalans Dragons) – Grade E Head Contact – Refer to Tribunal
Jordan Crowther (Warrington Wolves) – Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Paul Seguier (Catalans Dragons) – Grade D Head Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice and £250 Fine
Now Hicks has revealed how such decisions were made: “As we have outlined in various forums in the build-up to the Betfred Super League season, there have been a number of changes to the Head Contact Sanctioning Framework for 2024 – and Match Officials and the Match Review Panel share the responsibility for implementing these changes.
“The number of yellow and red cards shown in the opening round of the Betfred Super League has already become a talking point, and doubtless the number of charges arising from the MRP meeting will be similar – but it is important to provide some context.
“Of the 13 cards shown, 10 of the incidents would have led to a card being shown under the framework that applied in 2023.
“One area which has made a difference is in head on head contact, and the responsibility of attacking and tackling players in this area.
“Just as the sport should be grateful to the commitment of Match Officials and the MRP in implementing change at such a pivotal period for the sport, we also reiterate our gratitude to clubs, coaches and players for their positive approach over recent months.
“It was a highly successful opening round of Betfred Super League fixtures, and it is right that the focus is already turning to the second round of matches, and also the Betfred World Club Challenge.”
Click here to purchase a digital edition of League Express.
Click here to purchase an online edition of League Express through pocketmags.com.
Click here to listen to our new League Express Podcast.
League Express is widely available from local newsagents across the north of England.
