Case Number:

ON/1529/23

Kallum Watkins #3, Salford

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils

Match Date:

2023-09-01

Incident:

High Tackle

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (b)

High Tackle – Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome.

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 4th September 2023, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 42 43 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have tackled your opponent, contacting the head in a reckless manner. The Panel believed your actions were unnecessary, had the potential for injury and are 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 – High Tackle – Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome.

The normal suspension range for such offence is from a fine to a 1-Match suspension.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the above match.

• The opponent takes a carry into contact and Mr Watkins comes in to affect a tackle on his opponent.

• Mr Watkins left arm makes initial contact with the head of the opponent.

• The opponent is at a reasonable position and there is no sudden change in height.

• Player’s arm comes from down to upwards in trajectory.

• Mr Watkins the MRP would submit has acted in a reckless manner.

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

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

PR talked through the incident. He felt that the opponent does drop his height ahead of the contact and that KW is relaxed in his approach, has an open palm and is reaching for the opponent’s shoulder. He is measured in his approach and that there had been worse tackles in other games.

He agreed with the decision to give a penalty but felt that was sufficient punishment. KW has had a 15-year playing career and is a very fair player with a good disciplinary record. He felt that tackle was careless rather than reckless. There was no injury caused following the incident.

IB added that KW was attempting to cover the ball and that the opponent dips ahead of contact. This was careless rather than reckless and there was no intent involved. He reiterated that the club felt there was a clear drop by the opponent.

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:
- Tried to tackle but reckless.
- Initial contact is with the head.
- Upward trajectory of arm.
- Player is first man into the tackle. No mitigating factors as to why initial contact is made with the head.
- Potential for injury to the head. Area of concern for the game.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions. They have listened carefully and watched the footage.

It has been submitted on behalf of the player that the opposing player dipped before contact was made. The Tribunal do not agree with that and feel that they have to be careful about the perspective from the view that the footage shows, they have therefore come to the conclusion there was no significant drop in the opposing players approach.

This was direct contact with the face of the opponent and the Tribunal are satisfied that the charge is correctly graded at Grade B. Therefore, having come to that conclusion the imposed sanction will stand given the players previous record. The club will also lose the £500 bond that was lodged to bring the challenge.

The Tribunal do not believe that the challenge was frivolous and therefore do not feel an additional 1-match suspension should he added.

Suspension:

1 match