Disciplinary: Halifax forward to face tribunal after early red

Steven Hughes
Championship rugby ball SWpix

Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Halifax Panthers forward Jacob Fairbank will face the tribunal after being charged with Grade E punching.

Fairbank was sent off inside the opening minute of Halifax’s Good Friday match against Bradford. However, it did not matter, as Halifax recorded a 20-17 victory at Odsal.

In handing down the charge, the Panel said the punching was “sustained, repeated and violent.” The punches had also made contact with the head.

He will now face a disciplinary tribunal to find out how long he could be banned for. If found guilty, he could be facing a ban of between four and eight matches.

In the same game, Halifax’s Kevin Larroyer was referred for further investigation by the panel on a charge of Other Contrary Behaviour. He was placed on report at the time by the on-field referee.

London youngster to also face tribunal

London Broncos academy hooker Tommy Porter will also face the tribunal after being charged with Dangerous Throws at Grade D.

Porter was sent to the sin bin for a spear tackle during their 72-6 defeat to Warrington on Easter Saturday. If he is found guilty, he is facing a ban of between three and five matches.

Meanwhile, Batley’s Luke Blake has been handed a caution for Other Contrary Behaviour. This relates to a Dangeorus Tackle on the kicker during their derby win over Dewsbury on Good Friday.

Also, Oldham’s Thomas Forber has been referred for further investigation on a Charge of Other Contrary Behaviour during their game against Rochdale. The panel did not disclose the nature of the charge.

Super League Tribunals

Hull FC’s Brad Fash was cleared of biting Hull KR’s Elliot Minchella after a tribunal dismissed the allegation due to a lack of evidence.

Meanwhile, Wigan hooker Sam Powell has been found guilty of a Grade E offence of Dangerous Contact. He has been suspended for six matches.

The 29-year-old was charged for a crusher tackle on St Helens winger Jon Bennison during their Good Friday derby.

He will miss Wigan’s Super League games against Salford (twice), Warrington, Huddersfield, Castleford. He will also miss the club’s Challenge Cup quarter-final tie with St Helens in May.

Read More: Brad Fash cleared of biting charge & Sam Powell receives lengthy ban