Business has picked up slightly once again for the RFL’s match review panel, as three bans were handed down following this past weekend’s run of games, including some which will have repercussions for the Challenge Cup semi-finals this weekend.

The headline grabber from this week’s round of charges is Wigan Warrior’s Liam Byrne, who was handed a two-match penalty notice for a Grade C Head Contact charge, therefore ruling him out of Wigan’s semi-final against Hull KR this Saturday in Doncaster, as well as their trick to Salford next weekend.

Esan Marsters and Ashton Golding will be thanking their lucky stars that they too won’t be missing out on a semi-final this weekend, as both men avoided bans following their game against Wigan this past weekend. Both men escaped with £250 fines for their offences, Marsters for Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour, and Golding for Grade B Head Contact. Both men will therefore still be available for their clash with Warrington this coming weekend.

The St Helens vs Castleford game from last Friday produced two bans, both resulting from red card incidents. The first, St Helens’ Tommy Makinson was punished with a one-match ban for a Grade C Head Contact charge, and the recipient of the game’s second dismissal, Liam Horne, received the same punishment for a Grade C Dangerous Throw/Lift charge. Whether either man will actually miss any Super League games remains to be seen, as they could use the much-maligned reserve grade game loophole to avoid missing any top-grade action.

Finally, there were three notable incidents in the weekend’s final game which saw the London Broncos notch their first win of the season over Hull FC, including one which may see a key Hull FC man miss significant game time. Jordan Lane of Hull FC received a £250 fine for a Grade B Dangerous Contact charge, and the Bronco’s Will Lovell received the same punishment for a Grade B Head Contact charge.

The biggest incident, however, is still to be resolved, as FC’s Herman Ese’ese has been referred to a tribunal following a ‘verbal abuse’ incident that was put on report during the game. At time of publishing, the findings of the tribunal have yet to be released, but this page will be updated following the announcement of any charges or punishments.

Written by Nathan Major-Kershaw (Site editor & Hull KR fan)

Disciplinary information available here: https://www.rugby-league.com/governance/rules-and-regulations/disciplinary/disciplinary-cases