Rugby League Suspensions Avoided Through Reserve Fixtures

In a twist to the Super League disciplinary system, five players who were handed one-match bans following this weekend’s fixtures will not miss any competitive games thanks to a loophole involving reserve team fixtures.

St Helens prop Sione Mata’utia, London’s Emanuel Waine, Huddersfield Giants’ Elliot Wallis, and Catalans duo Arthur Romano and Michael McIlorum all received one-game suspensions after charges in their respective matches. However, the English-based clubs can simply name these players in their reserve squads this weekend, ensuring the bans are served in those contests rather than in crucial Super League action.

This means that Mata’utia and Wallis will be free to feature for their clubs when the league campaign resumes next weekend following the international break. In contrast, Catalans do not have a reserve game scheduled, so McIlorum and Romano will have to serve their bans in the Dragons’ next Super League fixture.

Leigh Leopards’ Lachlan Lam was also charged with a Grade B Dangerous Contact but escaped suspension, receiving only a £250 fine.

The ability to utilize reserve fixtures as a means of serving suspensions has provided a convenient loophole for clubs to ensure their key players do not miss competitive games.

Rugby league enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on how this situation develops and whether any amendments to the disciplinary system are made in the future.

🔗 Source