A couple of years ago I would have called this mental, but you do have to wonder. You only have to look at what is coming about with ex Premiership referees now speaking out about being told to give a certain amount of free kicks and fouls to specific clubs.

This Martin ban stinks to high heaven

They deemed it worthy of a ban, even if it is soft. An appeal takes it to a 2 game ban, guaranteed.

Don't do it Leeds.

I can't believe that has led to a ban. Players missing play-off games for things like that is an absolute disgrace.

Didn't even lead to a penalty in the game. Non of the Cas players made a fuss and rightly so. The committee appears to be a group with too much time on their hands and far too much power. This is the same lot who let Kasiano off for belting Dywer round the chops last week. Something stinks rotten.

Just emailed the RFL explaining that I've no longer any interest in purchasing tickets for the world cup as I'll be more than glad to put to bed a season that's been policed appallingly. They can shove it up their collective ars£ as far as I'm concerned. As I've explained to them, there are better things to splash out on than a sport run like this.

I think that little c*nt Phil Clarke is behind all this. After his little outburst I can see him having his 2 penneth with the panel or mates of mates of them in some shape or form! Independent committee my backside (!) Its a total screw job

Why not ? Take the 2nd game in pre season

Good shout I’ll ask for a refund on mine and tell them I won’t be getting anymore.

Might as well do it and risk it, either gets rescinded, gets the same or get an additional. Which could be used in a friendly if we are beaten, if not, we crack on.

Its very likely that member clubs of the RFL (and SL) will be explicitly barred from taking legal action against the governing bodies. That's standard across most sporting codes.

I think we should appeal and risk an extension to the ban. I'd make a big song and dance about it if the outcome is negative.

I also hope there's a behind-the-scenes push to get the whole system torn up and rebuilt for next year. If that isn't forthcoming I'd go public and take a fine in the process. The bans this year are damaging the product, not protecting the game from future litigation (not sure how Martin's previous ridiculous ban would have caused the Salford player anything except embarrassment) and if anything causing extra workload for players not being banned.

The MRP has certainly put myself off buying my season ticket, I will wait until i see who we are missing before getting a ticket! What really stinks is they should have Kasiano Whare missing, and Rat Boy who should be banned for the body check all available!

The whole system stinks and while there is an overall level of incompetence there is a definite Lancashire bias in some of the decision making even if this is at best subconscious. Get Cullen and co in front of the beloved sky panel and get them to explain some of the decisions such as Martin ban vs Kasiano no ban. Whoever wins the 2 play off games this week will undoubtedly lose players for the final and then no bans for the grand final itself. Clearly the preferred outcome is Wigan vs Saints with a win for the pie eaters. Time to call it out publically and risk the backlash by Hethrington. I understand Myler tried to contact Clarke who wouldnt take the call like the weasel he is hiding behind his microphone. The game is been ruined and it is just sad to see.