Case Number:

ON/1208/22

Matthew Prior #10, Leeds

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers

Match Date:

2022-07-09

Incident:

Late Hit on Kicker

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 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 11 July 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 00:24:15 Opta time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you made contact with your opponent after they had kicked the ball causing flexion to the head or neck area. In the Panel’s view your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent injury.

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) - 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 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 2 matches.

• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Prior makes contact with his opponent.
• Opponent Mr Richardson takes the ball from the ruck and dummies to kick before moving closer to the defensive line to shape to kick.
• Mr Prior reacts to Mr Richardson getting closer to the defensive line then starts to sprint towards Mr Richardson.
• Mr Richardson can be seen to release the ball off his foot.
• At the point of release the MRP submit that Mr Prior is approx. 2 metres away from his opponent.
• Mr Prior contacts Mr Richardson and there is clear flexion on the footage of Mr Richardson’s head and neck.
• Mr Prior has entered the tackle in an uncontrolled manner given his speed of approach.
• The player fails to moderate his behaviour.
• The nature and type of contact on Mr Richardson is unnecessary and avoidable.
• There was an obvious risk that acting or failing to act in a particular manner will bring about the result of making contact with the opponent after the ball has been released.
• The MRP submit that Mr Prior’s actions given the above points were of a reckless nature.
• Clubs have been issued with a guidance note which is titled as Late Hits on Passers however the same principles apply as it refers to contact after the ball has been released.
• 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. The RFL have sent communications in this regard both at the start of the 2021 season and now again for the 2022 season.

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

Player in attendance alongside Rohan Smith (Head Coach) and Nils O’Donoghue (Legal Rep). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

MP explained he felt the level of force was minimal and with a “soft arm” and a normal tackle would have used more force. The opponent has the ball in hand and he was committed. He moderated his tackle technique and the opponent had a soft landing and was not hurt. Contact was made to the chest/right arm of the opponent and the game played.

The club then introduced a comparison clip (Nelmes – Oldham v Swinton – Grade A). RS explained that this clip showed a clear acceleration and was more aggressive. There was no wrap from the player and contact was more forceful that the charge been discussed. There was a reaction from teammates of the opponent and the contact was of a “shoulder charge” type.

NO'D concluded that the player had accepted his guilt and that there was no intention to hurt the opponent. They felt this was not reckless and that MP had mitigated his technique. This was mis-timed and contact could not have been avoided and was a low level incident.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• MRP felt that this necessitated a Grade B charge for the following reasons:
- Reckless act.
- Player fails to moderate behaviour.
- Nature of contact is unnecessary.
- Speed of approach leaves player unable to adapt to the ball being released.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal considered the submissions made by the MRP and on behalf of the player and reviewed the footage of the incident and the comparison clip.

In fact, the Tribunal disagree with the grading of the incident on the comparison clip and if they had been deciding that matter would have graded it at least as a Grade B.

In the current matter the Tribunal conclude so that we are reasonably satisfied that flexion occurred to the head, neck or spine on a vulnerable opponent and that this was a mis-timed tackle. They are therefore satisfied that this was Dangerous Contact in breach of Rule 15.1(i) which was reckless and the nature of the contact was unnecessary and avoidable and therefore correctly graded by the MRP at Grade B.

In the light of the comparison clip and the submissions made to the panel we do not consider that the appeal was unreasonable or frivolous and impose no further suspension in addition to the current 2 match suspension. We impose a £500 fine.

Suspension:

2 matches