Case Number:

ON/1530/23

King Vuniyayawa #10, Salford

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils

Match Date:

2023-09-01

Incident:

High Tackle

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (b)

High Tackle – Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome.

Grade B

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

1 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty, but challenge the grading

Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 4th September 2023, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 01 08 22 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have tackled your opponent, contacting the head in a reckless manner. The Panel believed your actions were unnecessary, had the potential for injury and are against the spirit of the game.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade B offence – High Tackle – Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome.

The normal suspension range for such offence is from a fine to a 1-Match suspension.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the above match.

• The player was sin binned following the incident.

• The opponent picks up a loose ball and the player comes across to cover.

• Mr French the opponent then steps as he sees the player come across.

• The opponent Mr French’s height does not drop due to his stepping action.

• Mr Vuniyayawa right arm then contacts the head and neck area of his opponent, going over the top of the ball.

• Mr Vuniyayawa’ s right arm is always high and continues to go upwards in trajectory and contact with the head is always likely to occur. The arm is above the shoulder level of the opponent into contact.

• The MRP submit that the way the player enters the tackle is out of control and contact with the head is likely.

• Mr Vuniyayawa the MRP would submit has acted in a reckless manner.

Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 4th September 2023, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 01 08 22 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have tackled your opponent, contacting the head in a reckless manner. The Panel believed your actions were unnecessary, had the potential for injury and are against the spirit of the game.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade B offence – High Tackle – Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome.

The normal suspension range for such offence is from a fine to a 1-Match suspension.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the above match.

• The player was sin binned following the incident.

• The opponent picks up a loose ball and the player comes across to cover.

• Mr French the opponent then steps as he sees the player come across.

• The opponent Mr French’s height does not drop due to his stepping action.

• Mr Vuniyayawa right arm then contacts the head and neck area of his opponent, going over the top of the ball.

• Mr Vuniyayawa’ s right arm is always high and continues to go upwards in trajectory and contact with the head is always likely to occur. The arm is above the shoulder level of the opponent into contact.

• The MRP submit that the way the player enters the tackle is out of control and contact with the head is likely.

• Mr Vuniyayawa the MRP would submit has acted in a reckless manner.


Player represented by Ian Blease (Director of Rugby) and Paul Rowley (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

IB informed the Tribunal that KV made initial contact with the upper arm/shoulder of the opponent and that he had already been punished for the offence after been sin binned. The club believe this was careless and not reckless.

KV was off balance and made a grab towards the opponent. The opponent was moving at a high speed and had used a big sidestep. This was an instinctive reaction.

PR felt it was not humanly possible for KV to do anything else. He was off balance and made a grab towards the opponent which was around the neck area. KV had tried to give a duty of care to the opponent and his sin binning had been detrimental to the team.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Grade B due to:
- Tried to tackle but reckless.
- Initial contact is with the head.
- Upward trajectory of arm. Arm is always high into contact.
- Potential for injury to the head. Area of concern for the game.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage and listened to the submissions made by both sides.

They have been persuaded by the arguments put forward by the club on behalf of the player. The Tribunal feel this was careless rather than reckless and therefore downgrade the charge to one at Grade A.

This therefore means the player will instead receive a £250 fine.