Isn't there a point in between a sanitised game and punching unconscious people?

I don't think people are put off by 'biff' at pro level (amateur and youth level is a different matter entirely) as long as we are clear where the line is and players and coaches deal with it with the responsibility such freedom demands.

The fact is that although it won't be publicised, if anything this episode has shown that all by a few morons in Wigan glasses, everyone knows where that line is and are agreed that big punishments are given to those who cross them.

What's the right punishment in your view?

Bit some of the biff is why people watch it. It's a though sport. no point RL trying to be something it's not. Also people wanting biff and what Flower did are not the same.

Everything up to and including the first punch can be categorized as Biff. The second punch can't. Don't see why this is so hard for some people to understand.

I don't know. I think he will get about 12. I'm generally opposed to long band but what he did was appalling and I would struggle to argue against any length of ban really. However long.

Correct

Daily Mirror online has a readers poll on what the appropriate ban should be. Life-ban gets a whopping 44% with one year second most preferred by respondents.

Well we will find out soon enough.

Another "journalist" who perhaps has been looking at this thread?? www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... fford.html

Another "journalist" who perhaps has been looking at this thread?? www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... fford.html

Indeed. Not looking forward to it - too lenient and there will be uproar. Life-ban or similar and it would smack of panic. To get it right will be difficult.

It isn't at all. Go with 12/14/16/18 that kind of ban. It's not career ending but it's severe enough for the media to acknowledge the unprecedented nature of the ban in SL's history and for the players to realise it went beyond acceptable limits.

No one can reasonably argue that a double figure ban is harsh. It's not. He'll be lucky if he avoids criminal charges and if he does, it'll only be because of the sport being seen to have acted and Saints/Hohaia not wanting to take it further, which again will probably depend on what the RFL come up with.

I liked the line about how Rugby League is fueled by anabolic steroids.

Punch one (reaction) - 4 matches

Punch two (cheap cowardly shot) - whole of 2015.