Five Super League players have been handed one-match bans following this weekend’s Super League fixtures – including St Helens prop Sione Mata’utia: however, the upcoming reserve fixtures this weekend will provide clubs with a loophole to ensure many of those players do not miss a competitive game.
Mata’utia has been handed a one-game suspension after a Grade B head contact charge following the Saints‘ defeat to Salford Red Devils on Sunday.
London’s Emanuel Waine, Huddersfield Giants’ Elliot Wallis plus Catalans duo Arthur Romano and Michael McIlorum have also been given one-game bans following charges in their respect fixtures in recent days.
However, the players at English-based clubs will not miss any Super League fixtures due to a round of reserves fixtures which takes place this weekend.
A loophole in the system enables clubs to name players in their squads for reserve fixtures, meaning the suspensions are accounted for during those contests rather than in competitive Super League fixtures.
It means that the likes of Mata’utia and Wallis will be freed to feature for their respective clubs by the time the league campaign restarts next weekend following the international break this weekend.
In the unlikely event that Mata’utia is suspended, it will be served during Saturday afternoon’s Saints reserves game against Warrington Wolves.
Nevertheless, McIlorum and Romano will have to serve their bans in the Dragons’ upcoming Super League match as Catalans do not have a reserve game this weekend.
Leigh Leopards’ Lachlan Lam was also charged following their defeat to Leeds Rhinos on Friday with a Grade B Dangerous Contact – however, he was only fined £250 and escaped a suspension.
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