Watching the highlights, it looks like Bailey gives Blanch a gobful (can't tell exactly what was said) which Blanch then takes exception to and comes out slapping.

Charges aren't up on the RFL website yet - has Blanch been charged for starting the whole thing off?

AG- Bailey has been charged with punching dont know about Blanch.
How i saw it was DB was mouthing at the TJ and RB came in pointing to the touchline winding him up then DB aimed a slap and got put down although i thought it was more of swing and a push rather than a straight dig in the chops.

1 match ban + £300 fine - seems a bit harsh to me after watching the highlights. Blanch not charged

Sending out the message that it's perfectly OK to verbally abuse match officials ....

Having just watched the incident.

Blanch gives the Touchie a serve after being ruled out of play. Bailey tried to calm things down and come to the defence of the touch judge. There are some words exchanged between Blanch and Bailey. Blanch swings at Bailey and air shots. Bailey swings at Blanch and get him right on the beak.

Because Blanch hasn't connected I would suggest that's why he has avoided tea and biscuits tonight. Because Bailey did connect, I guess he's thankful he's only got the week off given his previous.

I think Blanch is a lucky boy

Correction:

@PeteSmithYEP: Been given incorrect info. The RFL now say Damien Blanch was charged with Grade A punching, but submitted an early guilty plea, so no ban.

Was the whole incident really worth more than the 10 minutes dished out?

bailey is the master at winding up his opponents, but he fell for it this time.

Handbags at ten paces, it's ludicrous to charge two players with such a trivial offence. The RFL are over policing this aspect of the game.
What they should be doing is sorting out the shambles at the play the ball area, I have just watched my recording of the saints wire game. Some of the play the ball was bordering on rugby union loose mauls, with the tackled player trying to play the ball with the tackler still wrapping his arms around him.
This after blatant lying on at the tackle, this tactic was used by both teams.

The RFL, more or less, have been very consistent this year in this area.

If you throw a punch, expect a red card on the day or a ban.

I don't agree personally but the 1 game ban seems fitting with other examples this year.

Blanch used his EGP to duck a ban, which seems smartly played.........for a big girl.

A punch up has been part of RL since the game began. If the RFL decide to ban the players involved then I have no problem with that.
What has neverbeen part of RL is verbally abusing match officials. Blanch's verbal attack on the touch judge was one of the worst I've seen in the game. That's because we so rarely see it in Rugby of either code. I would hope he has received a written warning at the very least.