Franklin Pele facing hefty ban as Hull FC handed triple Match Review Panel blow

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Hull FC have been handed a triple blow ahead of Friday's round-two match at Warrington Wolves. The Black and Whites saw Franklin Pele and Ligi Sao sent off in last Thursday's derby defeat and Herman Ese'ese sin-binned, with all three players dealt further punishments by the RFL's Match Review Panel this Monday afternoon.

Pele has been handed the biggest repercussion, with the prop forward receiving a Grade E head contact charge for his challenge on Elliot Minchella. He will face an independent tribunal later this week with the grade, which falls into the forceful/dangerous section of the RFL's new head contact guidelines, carrying a four-to-six-game suspension.

Sao has received a three-match ban and £250 fine after being dealt with a Grade D 'Other Contrary Behaviour' charge for striking. The forward used his knee to lash out at Rovers hooker Matt Parcell following contact with his own head, with the latter banned for one game.

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Ese'ese has been handed a two-game ban and £250 fine after being charged with a Grade D head contact. That means, as per Hull Live's story this morning, the Match Review Panel have completely disagreed with Thursday's match officials, Liam Moore (on field) and Chris Kendall (video), who handed Ese'ese a yellow card on the night based on low-force contact. The MRP's Grade D charge indicates mitigating factors or forceful/dangerous contact, with the two parties clearly differing in their interpretations.

Jayden Okunbor was also handed a Grade B dangerous contact charge for a late hit on the passer. However, no ban has been issued, with the back-rower instead fined £250.

Elsewhere, Liam Watts is set for a significant spell on the sidelines after receiving a Grade E charge for the tackle that saw him sent off in Super League's opening weekend. The Castleford Tigers forward was controversially sent off as his side fell to defeat against Wigan.

The decision was a major talking point in the aftermath of the contest, and it is set to spark further debate now that Watts is facing a four-to-six match suspension if he is found guilty of the charge. Watts' disciplinary record means he would likely receive a suspension at the higher bracket of the threshold.

Meanwhile, Harry Smith has been cleared to play in the World Club Challenge, despite being charged for the tip tackle that saw him sin binned in the same game. The England halfback has received a Grade B charge but has only received a fine, with no ban forthcoming.

In total, nine bans have been handed out, with Leigh Leopards duo Tom Amone and Ricky Leutele, Salford Red Devils' Ryan Brierley, Castleford's Charbel Tasipale, and Warrington forward Jordan Crowther all suspended. Michael McIllorum is also referred to a tribunal.

The full listings can be found below:

Herman Ese'ese - Grade D Head Contact - 2 match ban
Jayden Okunbor - Grade B Dangerous Contact - £250 fine
Franklin Pele - Grade E Head Contact - Refer to tribunal
Matt Parcell - Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour - 1 match ban
Ligi Sao - Grade D Striking - 3 match ban
Tom Amone - Grade C Head Contact - 2 match ban
Jack Hughes - Grade B Dangerous Contact - £250 fine
Ricky Leutele - Grade C Head Contact - 1 match ban
Zak Hardaker - Grade B Dangerous Contact - £250
Ryan Brierley - Grade C Head Contact - 1 match ban
Charbel Tasipale - Grade C Head Contact - 1 match ban
Harry Smith - Grade B Dangerous Throw - £250 fine
Liam Watts - Grade E Head Contact - Refer to tribunal
Michael McIllorum - Grade E Head Contact - Refer to tribunal
Jordan Crowther - Grade C Other Contrary Behaviour - 1 match ban
Paul Seguier - Grade D Head Contact - 2 match ban