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.

I said at the start of this season that I could understand the need to clamp down on head high shots, There are number of legal claims both in Union and League coming down the track. Potentially both codes could have to pay out large sums of money to ex players for health issues relating to head high blows. However i remarked that the games laws should be applied consistently and fairly, obviously that hasn’t happened. It’s been a fiasco from day one. Some bans have been too harsh and others have been too lenient and scores of incidents have remained unpunished.
It’s been an absolute farce. Looking ahead to the Saint’s and Wigan matches, will they be subject to the same standard as the Martin incident.
I think we all know the answer to that question.

To not appeal would be to accept the decision as being OK and being compliant with the system

It's a shame I can't add a picture I saw on Leeds Rhinos Suporters Group on FB. I know there's been some dodgy, some may say outrageous calls for us this year but that shot was high 100%. I love him as a player, he's been outstanding this year but he's dropped a fat one here and like other contributors have said there are things coming down the track legally which means the RFL are going to be hot on this. It's sad, it's bloomin annoying but I think it's probably the right call. I think an appeal would fail.

this Sucks and its getting beyond a joke.
Must be very tempting to say ' Sorry , cant get a team together' and bye the match as GH is saying it will cost as much to send a team as we will get gate money. Its a nailed on loss anyway with a weakened team and the Heads we win Tails you loose cause we are in France Refereeing, a blind eye turned to cheap shots and sloppy play the balls....Bet the other teams are 'Thrilled' at the likely prospect of 3 Dozen Catalan fans instead of 3000 rhinos through their turnstiles...

Gate receipts are split during the playoffs as they're classed as an RFL event as opposed to a home game for whichever club, so I would much prefer to play a side with no vocal backing than one backed by a big following.

Problem is - Catalans are used to it.

Struggling to see how it's a Lancashire bias given the constant bans we've had at Saints in addition to some of the nonsensical things they have tried to ban our plaers for (like Matty Lees being stood on a rugby pitch).

This ban is a really poor one IMO and should be appealed but a lot of the other Leeds bans have been from poor discipline, same as us. It won't surprise you to hear that the stream of bans in our direction has been cast by some Saints fans as a conspiracy to stop Saints winning it again, whilst you have your own conspiracy that the RFL are desperate to see us in the final! The truth is that neither is true, both sides have players who have struggled with discipline, but there are also some dreadful decisions coming out of the MRP - and this is one of them IMO.

It's a penalty for sure but never a ban.

Agree. It's shambolic for all.

At least the IMG survey had some references to the disciplinary process in it so hopefully they do recognise it as an issue with the fans. Of course whether the powers that be listen or do anything about it is another matter.

Well the appeal is going in, I hope sense prevails as that is not a precedent the game wants to be setting for what's worthy of a ban.

I agree mate.
I'm not sure there's a bias, whether it's county or clubs.
But the problem is the inconsistency of decisions.
We have had players get flattened, off the ball, i.e. Kasiano and Whare against Cats. Nothing. No case to answer.
And then we get a ban for this. If that's a ban, there will be 10 players banned from every game played.
It's ludicrous inconsistency.
I'm sure you've had the same.
And with the Tomkins incident not copping anything either, I'm convinced there is a desire within the RFL to try to help Catalans win the comp.
Remember how overboard the game went when they won the CC.
They want more of that publicity.
Cats definitely get away with more than any other team.

I don't think their is bias, it's just the inconsistencies that turn it in a joke

if there was no bias the bans would be equally distributed, surely?
werent we on 30% more bans than the next team when some journo did an analysis?