Australian rugby league player Kai O’Donnell has been hit with a six-game ban following a dangerous tackle during the Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter Final against the York Knights. O’Donnell was promptly sent off for a spear tackle on Knights’ Josh Daley, causing Leigh Leopards to finish the game with just 12 players. His disregard of the rules led to O’Donnell being charged with a Grade F dangerous throw with a minimum of six games suspension. Despite challenging his grading, he was unable to overturn the decision and will now be unavailable until August 6th, including the upcoming Challenge Cup Semi Final.
Meanwhile, Zak Hardaker, former Man of Steel, was also given a Grade C dangerous throw charge for his tackle on Knights winger AJ Towse in the same match. He accepted his charge but challenged its grading and subsequently failed his appeal. Hardaker will also miss Leigh Leopards’ upcoming match against the Catalans Dragons, along with Ava Seumanufagai and Tom Nisbet, who were both issued suspensions.
The York Knights confirmed they would not appeal the Grade C dangerous throw charge imposed on Jack Teanby. He is expected to be replaced by Brenden Santi in Sunday’s game against Featherstone Rovers. Although O’Donnell will be unavailable for the Challenge Cup Semi Final against St Helens, he could potentially participate in the Cup Final on August 12th if Leigh Leopards make it through.
The new bans have impacted the Leigh Leopards, with their £500 bond also lost over the failed appeals. With disciplinary actions increasingly impacting game outcomes, it is imperative that rugby players take the rules seriously and play safely to protect themselves and their opponents.
