I was initially pleased to see Thaler back but mo doubt he will be back in the Championship after missing so much.

I didn`t see the other two so cannot comment but the Sezer trip was blatant and really should have been 4/6.

Reason being it was at the time Salford were very much on top and the trip prevented a clear run and probably 6 points which in the context of the game was key.

It’s funny you should mention the NRL because I think they’re having exactly the same issues over there at the minute, I’ve just watched a segment from Chanel 9, with Gould and Smith questioning the CEO, Andrew Abdo, about what he wants the game to look like, about their current match review panel, about the fact that players accept a certain amount of risk, and even about origin being reffed different. He gave an iffy answer about SOO being higher intensity so therefore needing to be different, then compared the risk to driving a car while still saying we have to take the decision to take that risk away from players.

A lot of this seems to stem from the Dale Finucane 2 game suspension, for what was an ugly clash of heads if anyone saw it, but shouldn’t have been more than that. There’s also been a lot of inconsistencies with hip drop tackles and suspensions, as well as Asofa Solomona not getting called up despite breaking his opponents teeth with what looked an ugly elbow on the floor.

On both sides of the world there seems to be a real disconnect atm between those running and reviewing the sport, those refereeing, those playing and us fans watching.

What's the percentage increase in bans from last year, anyone?? I'm guessing 200% at least.

That's the problem really, that its about being seen to be more strict on bans rather than being more consistent on what is and isn't acceptable on the field. We can all point to numerous incidents that have not resulted in bans where other players have been banned for almost identical actions.

The judiciary of the game are running scared of future litigation and are massively inconsistent in their actions.

If the post on the YEP is correct, and I’ve added them up right, there’s been 114 bans this year. I couldn’t bring myself to add the total number of matches missed or cards dished out. We’re the worst banned though with 20 separate bans in total in 22 games…

Not been able to find data for last year.

I agree entirely, but would also add, what impact is it having? The number of bans isn’t dropping and if anything is increasing. So either the players aren’t learning (perhaps in some cases…Tetevano) or this approach is not having any impact and they should look at different ways to effect the safety changes they clearly want and maybe need without impacting the product. If the number of bans this high next season for example, then what’s the point, surely the idea of bans is as a deterrent as well as a punishment.

What's the betting though that the bans will dry up around grand final time? Won't look good at old Trafford with 2 teams missing key suspended players.

Doesn’t look good now.
So yea even worse then….

I think many fans and certainly the players were pleased to see him back and he did a good job of running the game generally. He definitely has a better understanding of the game and relationship with players on the field than most if not all of the other refs. Hopefully he won't be dropped for this although the Sezer one is a bit of a cock up (although I have to say I didn't notice it at the time either).

if they're not d about banning our players for nothing when theres 4 games left and we're trying to qualify for the playoffs, i feel like they're not gonna be d about stopping if we get there
and teams like saints have been miracously avoiding bans all season (sironen aside), and cant see that changing either

If they apply the rules as they are doing currently the playoffs will become a lottery and the competition devalued. The play offs and grand final should be the highest intensity games of the season which is hard to achieve if players are scared to make a tackle. Its hard to find a fan of any club who thinks that the disciplinary system is fit for purpose but if the powers that be at the RFL have confidence at least face the media and answer the questions that fans are asking.

So, we're appealing sezers...

Bonkers to me, that's the clearest cut of the three IMO.

Don't understand the logic of that as its the only one of the three that was clear cut. The frivolous stamp will be out again.

Absolut madness

Will we ever learn

Definitely

You watch, this will be the appeal we'll win.

I can only imagine that there is additional footage showing that either Sezer didn't touch Croft and Croft fell over trying to avoid the leg, or that Sezer has a hand on Croft thus making it a tackle not a trip. Anything else seems a bit ludicrous.

Is Jack Sinfield injured?

I just cannot see how thats can be deemed an intentional trip from the footage I’ve seen. If it us then it should gave been a sin bin, surely we shouldn’t be punished for the ref detailing to implement the rules. He slipped fell and caught croft, its accidental.

Whilst I agree it's not intentional, which is presumably what we are appealing, the fact that Thaler didn't see it doesn't mean there is no case to answer.

Downgraded to 1 game

Well whatever we appealed on it worked, downgraded to s one match ban

Seems more sensible. But things like that should just be penalty 10 minutes. On the same grounds as someone said earlier the Salford player pulling newman back if the ball which was deliberate should be a 1 game or at least a caution.

2. David Fusitua - 2 matches - due back v Huddersfield Giants 25/08
7. Aidan Sezer - 1 match - due back v Warrington Wolves 19/08
10. Matt Prior - 2 matches - due back v Warrington Wolves 19/08
12. Rhyse Martin - 1 match - due back v Warrington Wolves 19/08
18. Tom Holroyd - 10 matches - due back v Warrington Wolves 19/08

Injuries

9. Kruise Leeming - Foot
20. Tom Briscoe - Ankle?
28. Max Simpson - Ankle?