Case Number:

ON/1109/22

Zane Tetevano #13, Leeds

Competition:

Super League

Match:

St Helens v Leeds Rhinos

Match Date:

2022-06-23

Incident:

High Tackle

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Strikes with hand, arm or shoulder – reckless

Grade D

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 27 June 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(a) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 01:44:37 Opta Time of the above match after which you were dismissed. In the Panel’s opinion you struck an opponent in the head with your upper arm/ shoulder. The Panel believe that your actions were reckless, against the spirit of the game and had the potential to injure your opponent.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence (Strikes – With hand, arm or shoulder - Reckless). The normal suspension range for such offence is a 3 to 5 Match Suspension.

• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Tetevano makes contact with his opponent.
• Player was dismissed in the 75th minute.
• Mr Hurrell takes the ball to the line and kicks the ball through.
• The player can see that Mr Hurrell is primary focus is in chasing his own kick through and moves towards the opponent.
• Player is late in making contact.
• There is no attempt to wrap the arms around and make a legitimate tackle.
• There is clear contact with the head of the opponent. The MRP submit this is direct contact from the players shoulder/upper arm.
• Referee confirms direct contact with the head in his report and has no hesitation and dismisses the player.
• There is a high level of force in the contact demonstrated by the movement of Mr Hurrell’s head.
• Players have a duty of care to their opponents.
• Head injuries are a serious point of concern for all involved in contact sports and players have to be deterred from making contact with the heads of opponents.
• MRP felt that there was no effort to grab, wrap or tackle Mr Hurrell and as such categorised this as a Grade D reckless strike.

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

Player in attendance alongside Rohan Smith (Head Coach). Player pleads Guilty.

ZT talked the panel through the incident. He explained he was preparing for contact and is good friends with the opponent. He apologised to the opponent immediately afterwards and also again after the game. There was no intent to strike at the head and the opponent is a big man who needs to be tackled high in order to stop him. He added he would be moving forward and aiming to put things right.

RS explained he had watched the incident many times and felt there was no angle that conclusively proved that first contact was to the head of the opponent. He felt that initially contact could of been shoulder to chest. He concluded by saying the opponent stayed on the pitch and that if contact had been made to the head he would have had to leave the field for an HIA.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Aggravating Factors:

16/04/22 – Dangerous Contact (Grade B – 2 matches)
21/03/22 – High Tackle (Grade B – 2 matches)
28/08/21 – High Tackle (Grade C – 5 matches)
12/04/21 – Late Contact (Grade D – 4 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have listened to the submissions and also watched footage of the incident several times.

They are of the opinion that the player is late into contact and also makes no attempt to wrap his arms to complete the tackle. His feet are also off the ground as contact is made and that these actions are reckless. Contact is made to the head and is done so with a high level of force. Players have a duty of care and in this instance, it is very lucky that the opponent was able to stay on the field.

The panel are in agreement that the grading is correct at Grade D. Whilst they can give credit that the charge is admitted, and the player had apologised they also have to take into account the players poor previous disciplinary record.

Taking everything into account the player is therefore suspended for 5-matches and will also be fined £500.

Suspension:

5 matches