Perpignan, France – This past weekend, the Catalans Dragons comfortably defeated Hull KR, allowing them to reclaim the top spot in the table. However, the Rugby Football League (RFL) has now imposed bans on two key players from the winning side.
Mike McMeeken has been handed a one-match suspension following a Grade B charge for Dangerous Contact. Meanwhile, veteran hooker Micky McIlorum faces a two-match ban after receiving two separate Grade B charges – one for Tripping and another for Dangerous Contact.
The Catalans were dominant in their 36-6 victory over Hull KR, with McIlorum scoring the opening try of the comfortable win. Wingers Tom Davies and Tom Johnstone also got their names on the scoresheet for the home side.
Seeking to overturn one of the charges, the Catalans Dragons have decided to appeal the Dangerous Contact ruling against McIlorum. According to the Match Review Panel minutes, the charge was issued for late contact on the passer, stating that McIlorum’s actions “posed an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.” If successful, the appeal would see McIlorum’s ban reduced to a single match, making him available for the crucial clash against the Wigan Warriors in two games’ time.
This is not the first time McIlorum has faced disciplinary action this season. In Round Two, the tribunal upheld a Grade E Contact charge, resulting in a four-match ban following a red card incident in the Catalans’ victory over the Warrington Wolves. Despite being reduced to 12 men, the Dragons held on to win 16-10, with Arthur Mourgue contributing 12 points, handing Sam Burgess his first defeat as Warrington’s head coach.
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