Wigan Warriors make decision on appeals after copping two bans

[josie andrews]

WIGAN WARRIORSWigan Warriors make decision on appeals after copping two bansby Ollie Mitchell May 21, 2024
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet speaks to the media.

Following the Match Review Panel’s decisions yesterday, it was Wigan Warriors that were the big losers, putting a dampener on their semi-final victory.

Wigan looked strong against Hull KR, with their excellent display resulting in a 38-6 win, booking their place at Wembley for the final next month.

Despite Jake Connor’s actions, arguably causing two melées in Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves, Wigan were the only side that were charged at all.

Kaide Ellis was handed a one-game ban for Grade B Dangerous Contact, and Sam Walters was also given a one-game ban, for Grade B Head Contact.

Both were at the higher end of the sanction grade due to previous indiscretions.

Luke Thompson got a £250 fine for his Grade B Dangerous Contact charge as he wasn’t at the higher end of the sanction grade.

After these decisions, the Warriors have made a decision as to whether they’ll appeal.

The RFL have confirmed to Serious About Rugby League that the cherry-and-whites have decided not to appeal any of the three decisions from the weekend, meaning both Kaide Ellis and Sam Walters will miss their trip to Salford on Sunday.


This looks to be a much-needed boost for Paul Rowley’s side, who need things to go in their favour after a heavy 40-12 defeat to Leigh Leopards in the last round of Super League.

Wigan may be worried about this game too, as Salford are capable of beating the top sides: they’ve already beaten three of the top five sides in the table this season, and could provide a major shock.

If the Warriors end up losing, they may feel hard done by.

Of course, it’s frustrating to be the only side to lose players from a round of games, especially when so much went on elsewhere in the games, so much so that the RFL made a point of the number of incidents that didn’t result in a charge,

However, compounding this frustration will be the fact that Liam Byrne will miss the second of two games for Grade C Head Contact in a victory over Huddersfield Giants.

He was yellow-carded, while in Castleford Tigers v St Helens, both Liam Horne and Tommy Makinson were sent-off for eventual Grade C incidents.

However, both utilised a loophole, which is explained here, that meant they haven’t missed a single first-team game.

That means he missed two games for the same sanction as two players that didn’t miss one at all.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... ans-92002/

[WarriorWinger]

Probably a sensible decision not to appeal as it could lead to further punishments if not successful

[Ipinwigan]

It gives Hill and Cooper a chance to play for a place at Wembley, so we should still be very competitive.

[WarriorWinger]

We have options like you say and very good ones at that, there is no need to panic to challenge any decisions (apart from it being on their record) we have enough quality depth to replace almost anyone sitting a game out

[Charriots Offiah]

Pity about Walters, it would have been nice to get more minutes in his legs.

[Wiganer Ted]

MP still able to select his semi final front row if he wishes.
Looking forward to see who he plays at 13 instead of Ellis.
Pity for Walters but no complaints there really, he didn't belt the HKR man.

Which ever permutation MP uses it is one formidable pack of forwards.

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet responds to Sam Walter’s & Kaide Ellis bans from the Challenge Cup Semi Final & their replacements


WIGAN WARRIORS head coach Matt Peet has called on his side to improve their discipline following the suspensions handed to Sam Walters and Kaide Ellis in the aftermath of Wigan’s impressive Challenge Cup semi-final win over Hull KR.

Walters was charged with Grade B Head Contact whilst Ellis incurred a Grade B Dangerous Contact charge, meaning both players were given a one-match penalty notice and therefore will sit out Wigan’s Super League fixture against Salford Red Devils this weekend.

Although Peet took aim at other challenges that were made during that semi-final, the Warriors boss insists that such bans are in players’ control.

We understand it and I can’t be bothered being drawn on it really. We understand, accept it and move on,” Peet said.

“We have to be better. It’s the only thing we can control isn’t it? You see some other challenges in games and in the same game.

“But, we are going to concentrate on being better, timing wise and discipline wise. We don’t want to give referees or the Match Review Panel decisions to make.

“It’s in our own hands and we have to improve.”

So who will replace Sam Walters and Kaide Ellis in Peet’s squad?

“Mike Cooper and Harvie Hill will return. They both have a physical presence and are committed players. They are both well-rounded middle forwards.

“One is experienced and has made hundreds of appearances whilst one is just starting off. There are similarities between the two of them.”

https://www.totalrl.com/wigan-warriors- ... lacements/

[the pieman]

for what its worth i think Matty has played our last couple of suspensions out right, but sure he'll have had a word with the powers that be

we've copped bans where others havent even been brought up on any charge which is clearly showing indifference / inconsistent approach, and i think he'll use that to our advantage come the business end of the season.

How Hiku / Opacic / Jake Connor get away without even any form of caution from the weekend is a joke, and i think that'll be in the bag and we'll use it to appeal a ban later in the season, when it matters, using the inconsistencies of the panel to get it overturned

[Flash]

For the most part the difference between the numbers banned from the top clubs to those seen as smaller clubs is quite marked. Can you imagine Byrne, Ellis, Knowles or Lees not receiving a ban for the Hiku assault? I certainly can't.