Case Number:

ON/408/20

Kevin Naiqama #3, St Helens

Competition:

Super League

Match:

St Helens v Hull KR

Match Date:

2020-09-11

Incident:

High tackle (Linnet) in the 79th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law: 15.1 (b)
Detail: High Tackle - tried to tackle but reckless about outcome
Grade: C

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

2 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty, but challenging the grading

Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 14th September 2020, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 79th minute of the above Match. You were sin binned following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you made direct contact to the head of an opponent (Linnet) whilst attempting to tackle. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, had the potential to cause your opponent injury and constitute misconduct.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade C offence (High Tackle – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome). The normal suspension range for such offence is from a 2 – 3 match suspension.

In response to the comparison clip shown the CM explained that the MRP felt the ball carrier did drop before impact and the defender was using a wrapping motion.

Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Player in attendance alongside CEO Mike Rush, Head Coach Kristian Woolf & Assistant Coach Paul Wellens.

MR told the tribunal he disagreed that the tackle was reckless and was of the opinion it was careless, also suggesting that a Grade A charge would be more appropriate.

He explained the team were caught on the short side and the player was showing urgency in defence as his side led by just two points with only a minute remaining. He felt that the opponent submitted to the tackle and also pointed the size difference between the two players.

He argued that a reckless charge meant the action was meaningful and in this instance that was not the case. The player had an open hand, not closed, and they appreciate the outcome could have been better. They were also of the opinion that the contact to the head which caused the opponent to leave the field was caused by an accidental collision with another defender. They felt KQ had no time to re-adjust and is a player who has an exemplary previous record and regularly makes over 30 tackles a game. He is a player of good character.

KW added that the opponent was falling before contact and that they would be showing a comparable clip (Grade A) that they felt was worse. He felt KN had his eyes shut as he was expecting a big impact and that he had not followed through with his arm. The player was also not aware of his involvement in any injury caused.

PW then talked the tribunal through a comparison clip (Smith – Swinton v Rochdale). He explained that there was bicep to head contact, the ball carrier did not drop before impact and the tackler also caused a second impact to the head as he took the player to ground. KW added that this clip showed greater intent.

KN then addressed the panel. He explained that they are trained to be urgent in defence and that it all happened quickly. He though the injury had been caused by the accidental clash with his teammate and that he had no intent to cause any injury. The game was at a critical stage and he was aware that giving a penalty away could be crucial. He added this was the first time he’d ever been sin-binned in a career which has seen him player over 150 first grade games.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Player charged under RFL Rule 15.1(b) – High Tackle – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome
• Incident occurred in the 79th minute of the match. Player temporarily dismissed
• Mr Naiqama approaches contact recklessly
• Mr Naiqama does not make adaptations to approach or allow time to adapt
• Direct contact from upper arm of Player direct to the head of opponent
• Graded C due to;
- High force and speed of contact
- Technique was reckless
- Direct contact with the head

Suspension:

0 matches