Rugby League Results: Makinson and Horne Avoid Bans Despite Red Cards
Despite one-match bans being handed out to St Helens’ Tommy Makinson and Castleford Tigers’ Liam Horne, the players are set to escape missing any games. The bans were issued by the RFL Match Review Panel after they were the only two players to receive red cards in Round Eleven of Super League.
Makinson was sent off for a shoulder-to-the-head tackle on Tex Hoy during Saints’ convincing win over Castleford. He received a Grade C Head Contact charge, which typically results in a one-match suspension. Horne’s dismissal was for a dangerous tackle that put the opponent in a “really, really dangerous position,” according to referee Jack Smith. Horne was given a one-match Penalty Notice due to his Grade C Dangerous Throw/Lift charge.
“He was in a really, really dangerous position.” – Referee Jack Smith
However, thanks to a loophole, neither Horne nor Makinson will miss any first-team fixtures. With no Super League games scheduled this weekend due to the Challenge Cup semi-finals, the players can serve their suspensions during the upcoming round of reserve fixtures, which count towards their bans.
This is a tactic that has been utilized by both Castleford and St Helens in the past. A trio of Castleford players, including Kenny Edwards, Liam Watts, and Bureta Faraimo, benefited from the rule during an international break last year. Similarly, St Helens’ Morgan Knowles had his ban reduced to four games for a hip-drop tackle through the use of this loophole.
In contrast, Wigan Warriors’ Liam Byrne, who received a Grade C Head Contact charge, will miss two games as his team is involved in the Challenge Cup semi-finals this weekend, preventing them from using the reserve fixture loophole.
The strategic use of this rule by Castleford and St Helens highlights the advantage they can gain, as their key players will be available for their vital upcoming Super League fixtures against Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC, respectively.
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