Case Number:

ON/295/22

Ryan Brierley #1, Salford

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Hull FC v Salford

Match Date:

2022-02-26

Incident:

Leading with feet at 13:50

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1(i)

Dangerous Contact – Other contrary behaviour

Grade B

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

1 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 28th February 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at Opta time 13:50 of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion you led with your feet when attempting to prevent a try. The Panel believed that your actions had the potential to cause your opponent injury and were against the true 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 – Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game (includes Dangerous Contact – Other contrary behaviour.

The normal suspension range for such offence is from 1 to 2 matches.

• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Brierley makes contact with his opponent
• Mr Brierley’s opponent Mr MacIntosh can be seen to make a break and is looking to score in the corner
• Mr Brierley is coming across at pace
• Mr Brierley then loses his legs and leads with them towards his opponent
• There is clear contact with the players leg and the body of his opponent
• The Laws of the Game do not permit players to lead with their legs into tackles
• The ball is not loose at any stage. It is always in the hands of the opponent
• Mr Brierley does not use an acceptable tackle technique
• The act is one of a reckless nature
• Players have a duty of care to their opponents
• The MRP do not feel there is another charge where such a particular instance could be categorised

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

Player in attendance alongside Paul Rowley (Head Coach) and Ian Blease (Director of Rugby). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

PR explained that the player was trying to guard the try line and stop the opponent ground the ball. His studs were down and his hands were up to try and stop any potentially pass back on the inside. They believe it was more a coming together and the approach from RB was no reckless. Any contact was minimal and the match officials who were close by moved on with play immediately. The club were surprised that any charge had been brought. Whilst they accept the player was leading with his feet there was no other way and he was simply trying to put his body between the opponent and try line, a decision he has to make before the opponent decides to dive. Any contact was unintentional and the opponents well being was in RB’s mind.

RB then talked through the incident. He confirmed he was trying to put his body between the opponent and the try line. He explained his legs were bent on approach and his studs were down. He felt there was no reckless intent. His arms were raised with his palms open to try and stop the pass, whilst his teammate was also attempting to pull the opponent into touch. There was no contact with the opponent.

The club then showed a comparison clip (Jowitt – Wakefield v Catalans) which was charged as a Caution.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Grade B due to:
- Reckless act
- Use of legs in a tackle situation. Not acceptable tackle technique.
- Potential for serious injury
- Failed in duty of care owed to opponent

Aggravating Factors:

09/09/19 – Other Contrary Behaviour (0 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions. They have had the benefit of watching the footage several times and satisfied that any contact was minimal if at all.

The Tribunal satisfied that the incident was careless rather than reckless. They therefore feel the charge should be downgraded to Grade A and due to the players previous record this will mean that the suspension is 0 matches.

Suspension:

0 matches