Keighley Cougars have been fined £2,000 – with £1,000 suspended until the end of the 2028 season – after being found in breach of Operational Rules A1:1, B2:8(g), and D1:1(b), which relate to compliance with RFL rules, altering fixtures without approval, and conduct bringing the game into disrepute.
This was in relation to the postponement of the Betfred Championship match between Keighley and Dewsbury Rams on 12 July 2026 after the match referee ruled that Keighley’s pitch was unplayable. Cougars have also been ordered to reimburse Dewsbury's travel costs of £575.
St Helens' Jackson Hastings has been fined £2,000 fine - with £500 suspended until the end of the 2027 season – after being found in breach of Operational Rules C2:6 relating to adherence to the Respect Policy, Rule C2:10 concerning behaviour standards and conduct bringing the game into disrepute, and Rule D1:1(b) covering conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.
This follows an incident with the Match Commissioner after the Betfred Super League match between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens on 4 June 2026. Hastings has been warned that any similar future misconduct could result in referral to an Operational Rules Tribunal and potentially more severe penalties, including match suspensions.
Huddersfield Giants head coach Jim Lenihan has been fined £1,000 - with £500 suspended until the end of the 2027 season - following comments, including references to "unconscious bias", made in a media interview after the Betfred Super League match with Bradford Bulls on 10 July 2026.
It was deemed a public criticism of referees and potentially a challenge to their integrity. Lenihan has been reminded of the RESPECT Policy, which requires coaches to demonstrate leadership and refrain from publicly criticising officials and warned that any similar future misconduct could lead to a referral to an Operational Rules Tribunal and potentially more severe sanctions, including touchline suspensions.
Catalans Dragons chairman Bernard Guasch has been fined £3,000 - with £1,500 suspended until the end of the 2027 season - following his conduct towards match officials after the Betfred Super League fixture between his club and Castleford Tigers on 13 June 2026.
The RFL investigated the matter under Operational Rules C2:6, C2:10 and D1:1(b), covering adherence to the RESPECT Policy, behaviour standards, and conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game. Guasch will also now not be permitted to enter the tunnel area at matches while match officials are present and has been warned any similar future misconduct could be referred to an Operational Rules Tribunal and attract more severe sanction.
