My guess is the judiciary gave him 5 instead of 6 because of his apology to Johnstone and the evidence of his support.

I’ll be honest. I don’t open links.

Is Dudson allowed to use tonight’s reserve match to count against his ban. I don’t know what the rules are around this maybe someone can shed some light on it.

I'm sure I read somewhere that the reserves fixture could be used as one of the games served, if that is the case his first game back would be.... Catalan away!

Yes, a reserve fixture will count against his ban, as long as there is no first team match on the same weekend, which on this occasion there is no 1st team fixture owing to tomorrow`s International game.

Castleford have used this loop hole as well, or were planning to on any bans.