Leeds Rhinos have had THREE players banned following their heavy defeat to St Helens. Zane Tetevano faces his fifth ban in less than two seasons after receiving a Grade D striking charge that is set to see him miss three to five games.
But to compound matters, Harry Newman and Bodene Thompson have both received two-match bans for different punishments following incidents in the game. Thompson has been charged for a trip, which saw him sin-binned during the latter stages of the game. Meanwhile, Newman has been charged for Grade C aggressive behaviour towards a match official.
The game against Saints was only his third game and second start of the season after two serious injuries. He scored a spectacular solo try but the centre is now set for another spell on the sidelines.
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The trio, unless any of them successfully appeal, will now all miss the upcoming games against Hull FC and Castleford Tigers, the latter of which is at Magic Weekend. Tetevano is set for a longer lay-off with his previous run-ins with Match Review Panel likely to see him receive the highest number of games under the Grade D threshold unless he can appeal.
It adds to Leeds' woeful disciplinary issues this season. The Rhinos have endured more suspensions than any other club this season.
Meanwhile, three other players have been suspended. Hull FC's Mitieli Vulikijapani has received a two-match ban for dangerous contact while Salford's Elijah Taylor and Castleford's Liam Watts have been charged, which will see them receive one-match bans.
Full list of charges issued by Match Review Panel
- Zane Tetevano (Leeds) – Grade D Strikes with Hand, Arm or Shoulder – Refer to Tribunal
- Harry Newman (Leeds) – Grade C Aggressive Behaviour towards Match Official – 2 Match Penalty Notice
- Bodene Thompson (Leeds) – Grade B Trips – 2 Match Penalty Notice
- Elijah Taylor (Salford) – Grade B Strikes with Knee – 1 Match Penalty Notice
- Mitieli Vulikjapani (Hull FC)- Grace C Dangerous Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice
- Liam Watts (Castleford) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
