Charges arising from Round One of the Betfred Super League season, following Monday’s meeting of the RFL’s Match Review Panel, are summarised below.
For offences graded A-D, recommended punishments are included – with players and their clubs able to challenge at an Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday evening.
For charges of Grade E and F, the player is required to appear at an ORT on Tuesday evening.
Robert Hicks, the RFL’s Director of Operations and Legal, said: “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.”
Match officials appointments for the Betfred World Club Challenge will be confirmed on Tuesday morning.
The Wigan Warriors scrum half Harry Smith will be available to play in that game after the dangerous throw/lift charge for which he was sin-binned at Castleford on Saturday was graded as B. This was because the unnatural actions of the tackled player significantly contributed to the outcome of the tackle.
Charges:
- 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
Match Review Panel Minutes 19 February
