Leeds prop Mitch Garbutt banned for two matches for punching James Tamou
Monday 22 February 2016 16:34, UK
Leeds prop Mitch Garbutt has been given a two-match ban for punching Australian Test front-rower James Tamou.
The incident happened in the closing stages of the World Club Challenge game between Rhinos and North Queensland Cowboys at Headingley on Sunday.
Garbutt, who was formerly with Brisbane Broncos, was sent off by referee Richard Silverwood after knocking Tamou to the turf with a right hook.
The Leeds player reacted after Tamou slapped his team-mate Keith Galloway, and he was charged by the Rugby Football League's match-review panel with a grade C offence, which carries a suspension of two to three matches.
Garbutt was eligible to submit an early-guilty plea and, after admitting the offence and avoiding a disciplinary hearing, was given the minimum sanction.
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He will now miss the Super League trip to Catalans Dragons on Saturday and their home game against Huddersfield a week later.
Cowboys co-captain and Tamou's front-row partner Matt Scott described the punch as "a cheap shot" after the match, and Leeds coach Brian McDermott dubbed his player "silly" for his over-the-top reaction.
"There was some provocation but I think Keith Galloway can handle a slap," McDermott said.
The panel ruled that Tamou does not warrant a charge after making only light contact with his open hand on Galloway but said his conduct was worthy of a concerning act notification from the NRL.
Meanwhile, the panel ruled that Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Nappa's sin-binning for a high tackle on winger Adam Swift during his side's 38-12 win over St Helens in the opening World Club Series game on Friday night was sufficient punishment.
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