Prop Taylor’s potential suspension is blow for Hull FC
HULL FC’S hopes of ending their 13-game losing run have been damaged by news their England prop Scott Taylor could be banned for three games.
He faces two charges from the Match Review Panel following his side’s latest loss, against Castleford Tigers last Thursday.
Taylor, 27, was given a onematch penalty notice for a Grade B dangerous contact, but also a two-match penalty notice following a Grade C dangerous contact.
Unless the Hull vice-captain challenges the charges he will miss games at his former club Wigan Warriors, Huddersfield Giants and the home fixture with fellow strugglers Leeds Rhinos.
England captain Sean O’Loughlin was charged with a Grade A dangerous contact in Wigan’s win over Leeds, but did not receive a ban.
The same applied to Huddersfield Giants winger Darnell McIntosh following their loss in Perpignan.
Warrington Wolves half-back Blake Austin has escaped further punishment for a tackle that left Hull KR captain Joel Tomkins in hospital.
The Australian stand-off – a ‘marquee’ signing from Canberra Raiders – was sin-binned for a high tackle during Wolves’ 28-14 victory on Saturday.
Tomkins was taken to hospital in an ambulance with a serious concussion before being released on the same night.
He stayed with family in Wigan before returning to Hull on Sunday.
Ironically, however, the exEngland second-row received a caution from the Match Review Panel himself due to a dangerous contact.
Wakefield Trinity’s Danny Brough was also cautioned after being sin-binned for disputing a decision and St Helens prop Luke Thompson and Hull second-row Sika Manu were both warned about raising their knees.
Bradford Bulls have signed Toronto Wolfpack prop Olsi Krasniqi on a month’s loan from Championship rivals Toronto Wolfpack.
The former Salford Red Devils front-row, 26, comes straight into contention for Friday’s game at Sheffield Eagles. ■ James Roby is the early runner in the race for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel after the England hooker earned a maximum three points for the second week running for his performance in St Helens’ win at Wakefield Trinity – the only player to do so in the opening two rounds.