Wakefield and Hull KR hit by two-match punching bans in play-offs
Wakefield Trinity prop Emre Guler and Hull KR centre Peta Hiku have been given two-match bans for punching in the Super League play-offs.
Both players were also fined. The decisions were published on 21 September, according to the BBC.
Guler was sent off in the second half of Wakefield's win over Leigh Leopards for punching Owen Trout. Guler plays prop, the front-row forward role built around hard carries and tackling in the middle. A sending-off in rugby league leaves a team a man down. Wakefield finished with 12 players instead of 13.
They coped. Wakefield beat Leigh 26-16 despite the red card to reach the Super League semi-finals for the first time, as reported by Sky Sports. It was a landmark night for the club. It also turned frantic after the dismissal.
Both red cards came in the eliminator round, the sudden-death first week of the play-offs where the losers are knocked out, as noted by the Hull Daily Mail. Win and you stay alive. Lose and your season ends.
That context explains why Guler's ban stings. Wakefield face Wigan Warriors on Saturday in the semi-final. Victory would take them to the Grand Final, the sport's championship decider. Guler would miss both matches. He will sit out the Wigan tie and would also be unavailable for the final if Wakefield get through.
Hiku's offence came in Hull KR's defeat by Warrington. The centre, who plays outside the halves in the back line, made contact with the face of Warrington's George Williams. He was also dismissed for punching. Hull KR's loss ended their play-off run.
Guler's suspension has arrived very early in his time at the club. He joined Wakefield from NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons. The Leigh game was only his fourth appearance for Trinity.
What makes this stand out is the cost. Play-off rugby league is about completion rates and field position, holding the ball and winning territory set by set. Losing a prop or a centre to suspension forces a reshuffle. Fatigue builds quickly when a team plays short-handed for long spells. For Wakefield especially, the next team sheet will matter as much as the last result. Two games can decide a season at this stage.
