Disciplinary: Matty Wildie one-match ban & Whitehaven prop suspended

The Rugby Football League’s match review panel have given Featherstone hooker Matty Wildie a one-match ban for a late hit. 

The 31-year-old, who re-joined Featherstone from Leigh in the off-season, has been banned for one game for a Grade B late hit on the passer in their 22-12 win over Halifax last Sunday.

Wildie will be able to play in Sunday’s trip to Batley in the Challenge Cup fifth round. However, he will be suspended for their Championship clash at Batley the following week.

Elsewhere, Whitehaven prop Tom Walker has been banned for one match for a Grade B dangerous throw in their 40-12 win over Dewsbury.

Walker will be available for selection in their Challenge Cup tie against York this week. But he will miss their match against Sheffield on March 20.

Meanwhile, Leigh back-rower Sam Stone and Halifax prop Adam Tangata received Grade A charges but the pair will not face suspension.

Championship suspensions:

• Tom Walker (Whitehaven) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – 1 Match Penalty Notice
• Sam Stone (Leigh) – Grade A Late Hit on Passer – 0 Match Penalty Notice
• Ashely Sice (Newcastle Reserves) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice
• Adam Tangata (Halifax) – Grade A Late Hit on Passer – 0 Match Penalty Notice
• Matt Wildie (Featherstone) – Grade B Late Hit on Passer – 1 Match Penalty Notice

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Matty Wildie on Featherstone’s Super League ambitions

Featherstone hooker Matty Wildie says it was a no-brainer to return to the club because he was impressed by their ambitions of getting into Super League.

The 31-year-old re-joined Rovers in the off-season after spending last season with Leigh, who suffered relegation from Super League.

Wildie enjoyed three seasons with Featherstone between 2016-18, making 49 appearances, and said it was always in the back of his mind to come back to Post Office Road.

He told Love Rugby League: “I enjoyed my time here before. The club has got big ambitions of where it wants to be and it is something I want to be part of.

“It was an easy decision for me. Obviously the news of Brian (McDermott) coming in speaks for itself of what he’s done in the game. I want to add a bit to this team and progress individually as well. The goal is to get promoted so it was a no-brainer coming back.

“At the time I was speaking to the club before Brian even got the job. In the back of my mind I always wanted to come back. I think I played my best rugby when I was here previously.

“My family love it here, so to come back was always something I wanted to do.”

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