Hock facing ban for referee contact

Widnes back-rower Gareth Hock is facing at least a three match ban after being found guilty of making deliberate physical contact with referee George Stokes.

The incident happened during the 36th minute of Widnes’ 36-0 win over Workington in the Challenge Cup fifth round on Sunday.

The Grade D charge carries a suspension tariff of three to five matches.

Hull KR‘s Cory Paterson is also facing a similar spell on the sidelines, after he was found guilty of a reckless striking offence on Blake Green.

Huddersfield’s Joe Wardle has been charged with a Grade C offence of sustained punching following his red card against Leeds, while team-mate Leroy Cudjoe and Rhinos stand-off Danny McGuire were charged with Grade A punching offences in the same game.

London’s Antonio Kaufusi (Grade C) and Salford’s Jordan James (Grade B) will also appear before the RFL disciplinary panel on Tuesday.

Wardle, Cudjoe, Kaufusi and James are all eligible to submit Early Guilty Pleas in relation to their respective offences before 11am.