Case Number:

ON/754/21

Sione Matautia #14, St Helens

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Wakefield v St Helens

Match Date:

2021-07-09

Incident:

Dangerous Contact in the 28th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)
Dangerous Contact - A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes excessive flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.
Grade B

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

1 Match Penalty Notice

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 12th 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 28th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion you made unnecessary contact with your opponent which caused flexion to the head/neck area. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, had the potential to cause injury 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 - A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes excessive flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses 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 introduced by the club (McIntosh – Salford v Huddersfield – Grade A) the CM explained that the MRP felt there were a number of significant differences.

First the player in question is not running at any real speed into contact. The player is jogging across. The contact itself is more of a bump which knocks the opponent off balance. The opponent in this case has straightened his line of run and continues to move forward into the defensive line, something which is clearly not the case in the incident involving this charge.

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

Player in attendance alongside Mike Rush (CEO) and Kristian Woolf (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty to the offence but challenges the grading.

MR talked the panel through the incident. he explained the opponent was going at the line and that the player approached to make the tackle from head on and with his arms outstretched ready to complete the tackle.

There was just 0.23 seconds from the ball leaving the opponents hands to contact and the player was attempting to wrap up his opponent. The player had no option but to carry on with the tackle. At best this was careless incident. The opponent jumped back up and received no injury from the incident.

With regard to the comparison clip (Hughes – Warrington v Catalans – Grade B) which was introduced by the Compliance Manager, MR felt this was showed the player approaching from side on with his arm tucked in so as to perform a shoulder charge.

The club introduced a comparison clip (McIntosh – Salford v Huddersfield – Grade A). MR explained this was from side on, the opponent could not see the player coming and was hit after releasing the ball. the impact caused flexion in the neck.

SM told the panel his actions were careless but not reckless. He was intent on trying to do his job and apply pressure to the ball carrier.

KW reiterated the comments made by MR. He felt the player has to move quickly to apply pressure and the opponent is square on before turning his back slightly to make the pass.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in approx. 28th minute
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Matautia makes contact with his opponent.
• Opponent Mr Miller moves laterally before releasing the ball
• Mr Matautia can clearly see opponent has released the ball however carries on into contact
• Player makes no attempt to wrap the ball. There is no attempt to make a tackle
• The contact is forceful. There is significant flexion of the head/neck area
• This contact was reckless and dangerous.
• Graded B due to;
- Late contact
- No attempt to tackle
- Significant force

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal generally accepts the submissions made by the player and his club.

Unlike the comparative footage the contact here was not that late. The Tribunal believe it was a genuine attempt to tackle with the players arms properly set to confront an oncoming player who was challenging the defensive line near the try line.

The panel believe there was very limited time within which the player could have reacted. He and his opponent approached each other directly in a straight on direction as opposed to the contact being from the side or the rear.

The Tribunal therefore feel this incident is better assessed as a Grade A offence. This downgrade means the player will not receive a suspension.

Suspension:

0 matches