Case Number:

ON/779/21

James Maloney #6, Catalans

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Leeds v Catalans

Match Date:

2021-07-09

Incident:

Late hit on passer in the 15th 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:

2 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 15th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion you made unnecessary late contact with your opponent causing 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.

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

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

JM told the panel he accepts he got there late, however, he tried to pull out of the tackle. He was travelling at speed but did everything possible to stop.

He had a split second to react and put his hands up to try and pull out of making the tackle. His opponent had tuned to face the touchline so that’s how contact ended up coming from behind, however, no injury was caused and the opponent carried on playing.

With regard to the comparison clip (Hughes – Warrington v Catalans – Grade B) which was introduced by the Compliance Manager, JM felt this was a blatant shoulder charge and that the player involved was a forward so a much larger player.

SM informed the wider angled footage would prove to be a better clip to watch. He felt that this charge should be downgraded and felt a Caution would be the most appropriate outcome.

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. 15th minute
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Maloney makes contact with his opponent.
• Opponent Mr Myler moves laterally before releasing the ball
• Mr Maloney 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 feel that this is clearly a Grade B offence. In fact there are grounds to think that this incident could be assessed even higher within the offence range (A-D).

Although it was obviously a quick moving incident there was sufficient time for this dangerous contact to have been avoided altogether or to have involved much more limited contact, especially avoiding such contact with the upper body/neck area.

The opponent was not looking at the player, but the player was obviously looking directly at his opponent. The opponent was not ready to absorb the hit and he was not aware the player was coming. This was a dangerous and reckless incident.

The Tribunal therefore agree that the 2-match suspension and fine is confirmed. The deposited bond for the appeal is forfeited.

Suspension:

2 matches