Catalans Dragons hooker Michael McIlorum and back-rower Joel Tomkins charged with Grade F offences which carry a ban of eight-plus matches; McIlorum already suspended for Super League semi-final against St Helens
Monday 16 November 2020 18:17, UK
Catalans Dragons forwards Michael McIlorum and Joel Tomkins are both facing the threat of bans lasting eight matches or more following their team's controversial Super League play-off win over Leeds.
Hooker McIlorum has already been ruled out of the Dragons' semi-final against St Helens on Friday after being given a one-match suspension for a high tackle on Brad Dwyer in last Friday's 26-14 victory against Leeds.
But he could also be forced to miss a chunk of the 2021 season after appearing to pick Dwyer up off the ground while he was still injured.
That has brought a charge of "other contrary behaviour" from the Rugby Football League's match review panel, a Grade F offence which normally carries a ban of eight-plus matches.
The same charge has been levelled at back-row forward Joel Tomkins, who appeared to make "inappropriate" contact with Leeds full-back Richie Myler later in the game.
The incident sparked a furious outburst from Myler but referee Chris Kendall ordered play to continue after asking the Leeds player if he wanted to make a complaint.
Catalans coach Steve McNamara told the post-match press conference he was unconcerned over any disciplinary repercussions but both players, who are former Wigan team-mates, were referred to a tribunal which is expected to sit on Tuesday evening.
Of the Tomkins incident, McNamara said: "You saw what I saw on the screen, there is nothing in that.
"And in terms of Michael McIlorum, if you are talking about that then, well, this is not semi-final football without maybe a high tackle so, for me, I have no concerns."
