Case Number:

ON 684/21

Sam Kasiano #28, Catalans

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Huddersfield v Catalans

Match Date:

2021-07-04

Incident:

Dangerous contact in the 55th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Dangerous Contact - Defender uses any part of their body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

1-2

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty, but challenge the grading

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 3rd July 2021, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 55th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion you used a technique which applied undue pressure to the leg of your opponent. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and against the spirit of the game.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade B offence (Dangerous Contact - Defender uses any part of their body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player). The normal suspension range for such offence is from 1 to a 2 Match Suspension.

In response to the comparison clip (Dudson – Huddersfield v Catalan) the CM explains that the MRP agree that there are a number of similarities in how the tackle began, however, they believe the pressure applied is more fleeting as he ends up around the front of the opponent. The opponent also sees the player coming and steps out of the contact. There is no indicator of pressure being applied to the limbs.

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

Player in attendance alongside Steve McNamara (Head Coach) and Alex Chan (Director of Rugby). Player pleads guilty to the charge but challenges the grading.

SM addressed the panel and told them that the player made a considered approach into the tackle and that his actions were not reckless.

He explained the player took an extra step into contact and did not lunge. He set his target at the point of contact was above the knee of the opponent in what was a moving tackle. The players back is parallel and he does not aim downwards.

The club can see why the player has been charged, however, they believe that it should charged as a Grade A offence or even a Caution.

The club used a comparison clip (Dudson – Huddersfield v Catalan). They are in agreement that this was correctly graded at Grade A and that their player received a 1 match suspension due to his previous record. The footage shows him going down and pressure is applied to the opponents ankle.

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(i)
• Charge is Dangerous Contact - Defender uses any part of their body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player
• Incident occurred in approx. the 55th minute of the match
• Opponent is in a tackle and is being tackled by Mr Kasiano’s teammates around the ball
• Mr Kasiano approaches in a considered manner and lowers in preparation to make a tackle around the legs
• Opponent then begins to move his legs whilst still being held by Mr Kasiano’s teammates
• Mr Kasiano does not move with the tackle and lunges at the opponent
• Contact is on the side of the knee
• Mr Kasiano is moving in a downwards trajectory
• Footage shows undue pressure is applied to the left leg of his opponent
• Opponent in discomfort after the tackle has been completed
• Mr Kasiano has a duty of care towards his opponent
• Graded B due to:
- Speed that player enters tackle
- Player is dropping in a downwards trajectory and the first contact is with the knee area
- Player has made contact at the side of the leg which does not allow for the leg to bend in the usual range of movement
- Footage demonstrates leg being taken out of usual range of motion
- Opponent in discomfort after the tackle

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions. They are of the opinion that there is not a huge difference in the submissions made by both sides.

The panel believe that the player approached the tackle in a considered manner and lowered his body as he prepared to make a tackle around the legs. They are of the opinion he set the target in a tackle which saw his opponent continue to move forward and also turn and almost move backwards in order to make more ground. The panel also feel the player did not enter contact in a downwards trajectory and his back was parallel. The player did not lunge and this was an attempt to make a tackle by aiming for the thigh area.

The Tribunal find that this was careless rather than reckless and on these grounds downgrade it to a Grade A offence. Due to the players previous record this will mean he will not serve a suspension.

Suspension:

0 matches