Case Number:

ON/1308/24

Ashton Winks #11, Wakefield

Competition:

Reserves

Match:

Wakefield Trinity v Wigan Warriors

Match Date:

2024-07-27

Incident:

Dangerous Throw

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (d)

Dangerous Throw/Lift

Grade E

Fine:

£37.50

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 1st August 2024, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(d) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 22 00 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have lifted your opponent into a dangerous position. The Panel believe your actions were serious misconduct 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 E offence – Dangerous Throw/Lift.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 3 to 5 matches.

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

• Mr Winks was sin binned following the tackle.

• The Referees report stated that “Just as i called held (11) Wakefield lifted the legs of the Wigan player landing on his shoulder/head area. It wasn’t from a great height but was still dangerous.”

• Mr Winks, the Match Review Panel submit can be seen to lift his opponent into a ‘Dangerous Position’ as defined in the Laws of the Game.

• Using the factors set out in the guidance note the Panel note the following:

- Mr Winks goes to ground with the ball carrier.
- The ball carrier is significantly lifted above the ground.
- The ball carrier’s hips have been turned almost 180 degrees
- Mr Winks is in control of the tackle and unnecessarily lifts the opponent into a dangerous position.
- The ball carrier lands on his head, neck and shoulder.

• Based on the above factors the Match Review Panel felt this necessitated a Grade E charge in line with the guidance note.

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

Player in attendance alongside Ben Lazenby (Head of Youth). Player pleads Guilty.

AW talked the panel through the incident. He explained that he had got his technique wrong and accepts any wrongdoing.

He said he was not the type of player to purposely tackle an opponent in this way and that he had no previous disciplinary record, indeed, this was the first time he had ever been sin binned.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions.

They have watched the footage several times and note that the player had pleaded guilty. They believe that the grading is correct at Grade E and take into account the player’s previous record.

They therefore feel the suspension should be towards the lower end of the grade, this therefore means the player is suspended for three matches. He will also be fined £37.50.

Suspension:

3 matches