Rugby League Suspensions Sidestepped Through Reserves Fixtures
In a surprising turn of events, five Super League players have been handed one-match bans following this weekend’s fixtures, yet many will avoid missing a competitive game due to a strategic loophole.
St Helens prop Sione Mata’utia, London’s Emanuel Waine, Huddersfield Giants’ Elliot Wallis, and Catalans duo Arthur Romano and Michael McIlorum have all received one-game suspensions after disciplinary charges. However, players at English clubs will be able to serve their bans during the upcoming reserve fixtures this weekend, ensuring they remain available for their respective Super League teams.
This practice allows clubs to name suspended players in their reserve squads, effectively accounting for the suspensions during those less competitive matches rather than forcing them to miss crucial Super League fixtures.
As a result, Mata’utia and Wallis will be free to feature for their clubs when the league campaign resumes next weekend following the international break.
The only exception to this rule is the Catalans players, as the French club does not have a reserve game scheduled this weekend. Therefore, McIlorum and Romano will have to serve their bans in the Dragons’ next Super League outing.
Leigh Leopards’ Lachlan Lam was also charged with a Grade B Dangerous Contact following their defeat to Leeds Rhinos on Friday, but he was only fined £250 and avoided a suspension.
This strategic use of the reserves system highlights the complexities of player discipline in the Super League, with clubs finding ways to minimize the impact of suspensions on their competitive fixtures.
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