Zak Hardaker banned for two matches for Sam Tomkins headbutt

Correspondent

Wigan’s Zak Hardaker has been suspended for two matches for headbutting Sam Tomkins during his side’s 48-0 Super League defeat at Catalans Dragons on Saturday.

Hardaker was charged by the Rugby Football League’s match review panel with a Grade C headbutting offence after clashing with Tomkins in the 78th minute.

Tomkins’ brother Joel has been charged with Grade D punching following his retaliation on Hardaker.

Hardaker was dismissed and Joel Tomkins, who has been referred to tribunal, was yellow carded after landing several punches on his England team-mate.

Former Leeds and Castleford full-back Hardaker will miss Wigan’s Super League fixtures against Hull KR at the DW Stadium on Friday, June 18 and at Wakefield Trinity (June 24).

Wakefield second row Matty Ashurst has been suspended for two matches for a Grade C dangerous throw and Castleford forward George Griffin will sit out a one-game ban for a Grade B dangerous contact offence.

Leigh half-back Ben Reynolds has been suspended for one match for a Grade B tripping and Huddersfield prop James Gavet (Grade B raising knee in tackle) has been issued with one penalty notice.

Castleford half-back Danny Richardson was given a caution for dangerous contact.