Let's have it right; its NOT a loophole, it's simply the rules. Been the same way since reserves were introduced, and we're far from the first to benefit from it. A perk of running a reserve team I suppose...maybe more should do it?

I meant ‘loophole’ in the sense of an inadequacy in the rules rather than something that is outside the rules.

I sought to indicate that I don’t blame Wigan by explicitly saying I don’t blame Wigan.

Just so we have it right.

Looks like my info was wrong

I fully expect the RFL will decide that none of them can use it for their bans as using the game would be against the spirit of the disciplinary process

I think it's the other way around - Each player can only count 1 reserve fixture against his ban.

And they don't need to be included in the 21, as a banned player would not be named in the squad - Same as for a normal 1st team game. The coach doesn't have to leave himself short of a player in the squad, he just doesn't get to choose him for inclusion.

He did it twice if I remember correctly, what suspension did he get for the other? What about Makinson?

Why?

What game did Makinson do it in ?
Don't remember LMS doing it again

This was sent to me earlier before the Bans were given

Law 15.1 Deliberate or reckless physical contact with a match official ( eg placing hand on arm to attract attention)

Last season McCarthy-Scarsbrook (August and September) and Makinson (September) were charged with this offence. LMS escaped a ban for the first offence and received one match for the second. Makinson was cautioned.

Thank you Jukesays, that has saved me some work. All this about Wigan being treated leniently is a figment of some people’s imagination.

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ev ... an-in-2023 I’m pretty sure there’s a large number of occasions that pre season friendlies have been used too

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ev ... an-in-2023 I’m pretty sure there’s a large number of occasions that pre season friendlies have been used too

By whom?

If we’re talking about leniency. Remember when Abdull got banned for 8 matches for a squirrel grip when Makinson got 5. Now I’m not sure how that could be ruled any different regardless to passed disciplinary actions

He's noted elsewhere that his info was incorrect Rogues.

The whole situation is simply bringing out a lot of peoples hatred to all things Wigan. Reading about various social media platforms and forums, the common line is that Wigan are wrong for 'using a loophole' but these same people haven't mentioned this in the past, when other clubs have benefitted from it. People are also going on about Wigan finding a loophole as though they've filled in some sort of application form or sent an email to the top brass stating they should serve the bans in the reserves. The only way Wigan couldn't benefit from it is if they said themselves 'no, we don't agree with them using it in the reserves and will stand them down from the semi final' and as everyone knows, Wigan and every other club on the planet would not do that. It's the journo's like John Davidson that jump all over it and fail to mention this isn't a new thing or a Wigan thing that annoy me the most.