Huge blow for Leeds Rhinos as star player banned for play-offs

Leeds Rhinos are set to be without one of their most influential players for Friday’s play-off tie at Catalans Dragons.
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Second-rower Rhyse Martin, who has been successful with his last 36 kicks at goal, has been handed a one-game penalty notice by the match review panel.

He was accused of a grade A high tackle in last Saturday’s win over Castleford Tigers.

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Martin has until 11am on Tuesday to decide whether to appeal.

Rhyse Martin kicked three goals in Rhinos' win over Castleford. Picture by Bruce Rollinson/SWpix.com.Rhyse Martin kicked three goals in Rhinos' win over Castleford. Picture by Bruce Rollinson/SWpix.com.
Rhyse Martin kicked three goals in Rhinos' win over Castleford. Picture by Bruce Rollinson/SWpix.com.

If he challenges the charge he will appear before a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.

It is his second suspension of 2022, both grade A offences, which is the least serious charge.

A pair of Tigers players were handed two-match penalty notices over incidents during the defeat at Leeds which brought their season to a close.

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Substitute Sam Hall was charged with grade C dangerous contact and Suaia Matagi, who was sin-binned by referee Ben Thaler, received similar punishment for grade B dangerous contact.

Castleford Tigers' Suaia Matagi. Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com.Castleford Tigers' Suaia Matagi. Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com.
Castleford Tigers' Suaia Matagi. Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com.

Other charged from last weekend’s matches were:

Luke Gale (Hull FC, grade A disputes decision) - one-match penalty notice; Matty Storton (Hull KR, grade A dangerous contact) - zero matches; Liam Whitton (Cornwall, grade B foul abuse towards referee) - one-match.

Cautions

Daniel Spencer-Tonks (Salford Red Devils, other contrary behaviour), Mike Butt (Swinton Lions, other contrary behaviour).