I think he'll be banned. The RFL love Leeds and are lenient, so by definition, you would think they'll be harsh on Bradford.

If you want to know whether Raynor meant injure Sam, however, watch the replay and look at Raynor's fist.

I said watching the game that his only defence was that he was trying to stop the try being scored but I can't help feeling that his hand was so far away from the ball and at that speed to catch him right on the button doesn't look good for him. I agree with sending off sufficient maybe 1 game but he will be getting off lightly at that.

Just my opinion of course, you are allowed one on here aren't you??

Wouldn't really disagree with that I'm just trying to think how the RFL think.

It would indicate he had intent. Then again, if one is to dislodged the ball, then a closed fist is going to be required is it not?

You wouldn't go with a fist to try and get the ball out... he should get a ban.

if he gets less than 3 matches it will be disgraceful

So what else could he do?

Have an open palm and try to slap the ball out?

i find it astounding some people are actualy defending Raynor.

Do you mean like platt went in with the first to stop you scoring the first try 2 minutes into the game?

Grabe B guideline as 1-2 games if found guilty, so you're likely to find the outcome disgraceful.

well thats the RFL for you

Not really. You're more likely to try and grab the arm of the ball-carrying player and pull it away from his body, particularly if - as Raynor was - you're on the same side that the ball is being carried.

This debate is running to ridiculous length when you look at the visible evidence.

When you throw a clenched fist in the direction of someone's face and it makes heavy contact, it's usually pretty clear what you're trying to do. Even a simpleton understands that.

I suppose if Raynor had actually been aiming for the ball, he might have an argument, but if you look at the replay (on Youtube if nowhere else), it's completely clear that Tomkins is reaching downward with the ball. It is very far from his jaw, which is where Raynor's clenched fist makes full-on contact.

It's the most blatant punch in the kisser I've seen in modern times, and Bradford's pathetic bleating is convincing no-one.

Even in Self-Pity Land (which is currently Bradford, but generally anywhere Mick Potter or Brian McClennan tend to be coaching), they will surely at some point find enough dignity to accept that Raynor was rightly red-carded and that if he isn't banned for a couple of matches it will be an injustice.

I'm quite baffled as to where this current Yaaarkshire thinking has come from, that if you immediately try to make yourself out to be the victim, no-one will notice that you're actually the aggressor.

just watched the incident again, cold light of day and all that. IMO there is no way he was going for the ball. It was an attack to the head. I was prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt yesterday, but on revisiting the incident it was clearly, imo, a deliberate attack to the head.

I awaited John Kear's 'he should be banned for twelve matches' comments, but they weren't uttered on this occasion.