RL Today: Rhyse Martin ban slammed & Tomkins raring to go

James Gordon
Rhyse Martin against Castleford

Photo: James Heaton/News Images

It’s almost become a bigger talking point than the action on the field itself.

Tuesday night’s latest disciplinary findings saw that Leeds back-rower Rhyse Martin had his appeal against a one-match ban thrown out.

Not only that, a further one-match ban was added for a frivolous appeal.

The response from the majority of rugby league fans on social media said it all.

Barrie McDermott tweeted: “This decision is absolutely ridiculous 3 games in 15 days at the end of the year & a falling player hits the defenders arm, not the other way round, his audacity to question it ends his season!”

Josh Morrow said: “What’s baffling is that there will be several tackles like that in this weekends games that will go unpunished.”

Jack Gaunt added: “It sure why people are surprised. The mrp hasn’t been fit for purpose all season, not going to change it’s comical decision making now. It is definitely the first thing that needs changing next year. Ruined games by sidelining players for little to no reason.”

Andrew Melling said: “That is absolutely appalling. Outrageous that Leeds are penalised because of that before their biggest game of the season.”

The current system is making a mockery of the sport and desperately needs a review for next season.

As it is, Leeds will be without Martin for this week’s play-off at Catalans, and also the semi-final should they make it through.

Why bother.

Determined Tomkins

One man who will be playing in the play-off in Perpignan is Sam Tomkins, who has declared himself fit for the game against Leeds.

He’s spent a few weeks on the sidelines recently, but it’s all part of the plan.

Tomkins said: “I’ve had a couple of bumps and bangs picked up over the years so we found a good opportunity to rest up before the important games.

“This is why we start training in November, go through pre-seasons and all that tough stuff, for these last few weeks of the year. It’s the most exciting time and I never want to miss it.”

England calls

We confirmed on Tuesday that England will play their World Cup quarter-final at Wigan, whether they finish first or second in the group.

With an ominous looking Samoa squad set to take part in the tournament, England coach Shaun Wane has conceded they may well be underdogs.

Organisers have confirmed that if England do finish second, their quarter-final will remain as it would be if they finished first – meaning Samoa will play at Warrington.

Also, we look at the eight NRL players set to make the England World Cup squad.

Ryan wait

The World Cup is a month away and there will be some international coaches sweating on player availability.

One man who faces a race to get fit is Ireland winger Ethan Ryan.

The Hull Daily Mail reports he suffered a thumb injury in Hull KR’s derby win.

Birthdays

Leeds hooker and England World Cup hopeful Kruise Leeming turns 27 today (September 7).

Also celebrating: Ireland’s Dec O’Donnell (24); New South Wales and Cronulla’s Dale Finucane (31); ex-Wakefield and Catalans back-rower Justin Horo (36).

Trivia

The last team to win every game in a season in the third tier before Keighley was Dewsbury Rams in 2009.

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