Having a quick look at the guidelines he could actually get more than 3 games. A couple of snippets.....

− Player has record of the same or a similar offence in the past - should result in a higher
penalty than would otherwise be the case.

− If the Misconduct has caused injury to an opponent, this may result in a higher penalty than if
no injury had occurred.
− Panels may consider the length of time an injured opponent is likely to be out of the game
when passing sentence.

I wonder if a tribunal has ever stepped outside guidance before - and would this be a case they might consider it?

Players and Clubs should be aware that the normal suspension ranges are guidelines only and the Tribunal has the discretion to step outside of the normal ranges in the following three circumstances:
- If the Compliance Manager has advised the Player that, in the light of specified aggravating factors, she is going to seek a higher sanction and the Tribunal agree that such factors mean a higher sanction should be imposed;
- If the Tribunal has previously advised the Player that it will apply a higher sanction next time that Player is found to have committed a misconduct Offence; or
Sentencing Guidelines January 2010 Page 9 of 10
- If the Tribunal feels that in the light of the aggravating and mitigating factors present it is appropriate to step outside of the normal suspension range (irrespective of whether this has been requested by the Compliance Manager

Disgusting. But nothing the RFL do suprises me anymore. Spineless gits.

The disciplinary seems to run like a lottery.
I'm as big a fan of Sinfield as you'll find on these boards but I reckon he's very lucky to get away with NFA after kicking out in the tackle...neither the officials nor the DVD managed to see any 'conclusive evidence'.

That's what galls me about the leniency of Chase's charge. There's nothing inconclusive about the evidence there.

The intention was clear and the result is horrendous for Ropati...but not for Chase. Shameful all round IMO.

Agreed. Very poor decision. What exactly does a player have to do to get a lengthy ban in our game? That's as bad a challenge as I've seen for many years and 2-3 games is ridiculous.

I assume it is set up that way to avoid collusion. The compliance officer can request it but it would go in the letter to Rangi - not been mentioned.
Now it is left to the tribunal to take the initiative.

The tribunal rota shows the 3 tomorrow are, P Charlesworth ,W George and R Bridge

I'm not holding my breath.

It's not what you do it's who you are.

It looked like a clash of heads, if thats helps.

Its not likely he did, no doubt you did though.

Oh dear

wow, seen the replays now...........that is disgusting, its assault is that............horrible attack, massive ban for that should be the minimum!!

Remains to be seen what the panel will do, but the charge looks like a rather pathetic cop-out and is extremely disrespectful of the severity of Ropati's injury.

On a point of interest - is there any precedent for RL players reporting an on-field assault to the police?

Just found this, but can't find anything post-trial.
rlhttp://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8442862.Rugby_player_appears_in_court_accused_of_pitch_assault/?ref

It is disgraceful, however I knew as I am sure most did the RFL would be spineless! they are a joke..

What a JOKE ban length. If he did that in the street he'd be in jail!

Told you.