Case Detail
Case Number:
ON/1097/25
Rhyse Martin #17, Hull KR
Competition:
Super League
Match:
Hull KR v Wakefield Trinity
Match Date:
2025-06-27
Incident:
Unnecessary Contact with a player who is or maybe injured
Decision:
Charge
Charge Detail:
Law 15.1 (i)
Other Contrary Behaviour (Head Contact and Unnecessary contact with player who is or maybe injured).
Grade E
Sanctions:
6+
Decision On Charge
Player plea:
Not Guilty
Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 30th June, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above match.
The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 01 28 15 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have contacted your opponent in the head and neck and then unnecessarily lifted a player who appeared to be injured. In the Panel’s opinion this is serious misconduct, has the potential for serious injury and is against the spirit of the game.
In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade E offence - Other Contrary Behaviour (Head Contact and Unnecessary contact with player who is or maybe injured).
The normal suspension range for such offence is 36 Penalty Points (6 matches).
• The Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the above match which was not subject to any refereeing action.
• The incident started with contact to the head of his opponent. The player does not lower the height, and the trajectory of his arm is always going to make contact with the head of the opponent. The Match Review Panel would submit that there is no mitigation.
• Mr Rhyse Martin then removes his hand off his opponent for a period before grabbing the opponent’s shirt and lifting him off the ground.
• It is not for any player in any circumstances to have physical contact with a player who may be injured. Injured players need treatment from appropriately trained medical staff to ensure that any injury is appropriately managed in the initial stages and is not made worse.
• Whether a player is in fact injured, and if so to what extent, is exclusively a matter for the assessment of the medical staff in conjunction with any necessary match official input. Contact, of whatever type/force, from another player upon a seemingly injured player has the potential for serious medical consequences for that injured player.
• In very limited circumstances a player may render immediate physical assistance to another player who is obviously seriously injured. This is not the case here. Mr Rhyse Martin is in no way attempting to assist the injured player. His actions are in a purely negative manner and for his own personal gain.
• The RFL stance on such situations is clear and a well-established precedent was set in 2021 and upheld by the ORT on various occasions. Hakim Miloudi of Barrow Raiders and Tendai Gwaze of Halifax Panthers received 8 match suspensions having been charged with Grade F (the grading has since changed) charges for moving an injured player. 2023 saw a specific charge brought in to further eradicate this unnecessary and dangerous action from the game.
• Clubs have been sent various notes on not to do this, and players have attended MRP training sessions in the past, with the message being specially raised that this is prohibited.
• This offence carries a strict Grading of E. The Match Review Panel have grouped both offences together in this regard and submit that this matter should be dealt with via 36 Penalty Points which equates to a 6 Match suspension.
Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Player in attendance alongside Neil Hudgell (Chair). Player pleads not guilty.
NH argued that RM’s contact with the opponent was momentary and instinctive and not intended to cause harm. He emphasised that the action was brief and part of the natural flow of the game.
NH highlighted the lack of evidence indicating the opponent was injured. He pointed out that the Referee and Physio did not express any concern about an injury, supporting the argument that the contact was not harmful.
RM had played 180 games without any similar incidents. He argued that this demonstrated his respect for the welfare of other players and his adherence to the rules.
NH stressed the fast-paced nature of Rugby League, where players often act instinctively. He argued that RM’s actions should be viewed in the context of the game’s speed and intensity, rather than as a deliberate attempt to cause harm.
RM then addressed the panel. He explained that his actions were instinctive and part of maintaining control during the tackle. He stated that he did not believe the contact was forceful enough to cause injury and that he did not realise the opponent was staying down.
NH concluded that the MRP had not met the high bar required to prove RM had a reckless disregard for the welfare of other players. He emphasised the need for clear and compelling evidence to support such a serious charge.
Decision:
Guilty (Grade A – Head Contact)
Reasons for Decision:
The Chair elaborated that the allegation involves Head Contact and what is considered Unnecessary Contact with a player who may be injured. The MRP view it as one continuous act, but it can be examined separately as initial Head Contact (Grade A) and Unnecessary Contact (Grade E).
He added that due to the seriousness of the allegations the panel must reach a high standard of proof, approaching beyond reasonable doubt, to determine guilt.
The panel reviewed the footage several times and listened to the submissions made by both sides.
The Chair noted that the regulations use the term “unnecessary” rather than “any” contact. After considering RM’s explanation the panel does not accept he was “pushing off” but does agree it was instinctive and momentary. The panel concluded that this incident does not meet the criteria for Unnecessary Contact as per the regulations, describing the contact as “de minimis” meaning virtually nothing,
The panel do however find that RM is guilty of the Grade A Head Contact charge. Taking into account the players previous record which shows he has no current penalty points, this Grade A charge will result in one penalty point being applied to his record.