Interesting information has surfaced regarding the dismissal of Peta Hiku’s contentious allegation related to an incident during the Super League Grand Final, including a letter of support from Matt Peet, the coach of the Wigan Warriors.

Following an altercation with Warriors striker Junior Nsemba in the early minutes of Rovers’ loss at Old Trafford, Hiku was charged with Grade E unnecessary contact. After a severe collision, Nsemba eventually departed the field for an HIA, but not before Hiku contacted him to inquire about his well-being.

In the end, the Match Review Panel decided to charge Hiku with a Grade E infraction, with a potential sentence range of three to five matches, after noting that they were “unsure” of Hiku’s intentions.

However, a tribunal on Tuesday night essentially dismissed their argument, and new information regarding the procedure that resulted in Hiku’s acquittal has surfaced.

The tribunal records indicated that Wigan duo Jai Field and Liam Marshall questioned Hiku about his actions after putting his hands on Nsemba as he lay prone on the ground. Hiku was represented at the court by Robins owner Neil Hudgell.

It was “clear to both, very quickly, that they are satisfied of his intentions,” the tribunal said. Additionally, it was determined that Hiku’s acts were motivated by “instinct” and were obviously in the best interests of the players.

The part of the notes that states that Pet sent a letter of support to the tribunal, presumably defending Hiku’s behavior and arguing that there was no foul play involved at all, is arguably the most intriguing.

The panel concluded that the RFL submissions were “unclear and contradictory,” which is somewhat damning.

They stated, “The RFL submissions propose that any contact makes out the offense.” This is supported by a February 2022 advice note—more than two and a half years ago—that is not included in the regulations.