Taulapapa banned for punching

Sheffield full-back Misi Taulapapa has been handed a one-match ban for punching in the recent Championship win over York.

Taulapapa, 30, pleaded guilty to the Grade B offence and will now miss the Eagles’ league clash with Batley on Thursday night.

The Kiwi signed a deal to play Super League with Hull KR last autumn, but it was cancelled following the arrival of new coach Craig Sandercock, and the subsequent signing of Shannon McDonnell.

Sheffield beat York 25-18 in the televised encounter, which also saw Jack Lee of the Knights and Sheffield’s Jack Howieson charged with Grade A punching offences.

Both submitted early guilty pleas and avoided suspension, but will not be able to submit an early guilty plea should they be charged by the RFL Disciplinary committee within the next 12 months.