Matt Peet’s letter and Neil Hudgell’s argument – How Hull KR man Peta Hiku escaped ban at tribunal
After an arbitrator ruled that Hull KR player Peta Hiku was not guilty of making unwarranted touch with an injured
player, Hiku would not serve a ban. After appearing to touch Junior Nsemba as he was on the ground during the first half
the highlight event, the centre was given a Grade E charge in the days that followed the Grand Final.
A panel will hear the case to decide what kind of punishment, if any, the New Zealand international should face after
being found guilty of a Grade E offence, which entails a suspension of three to five games.
Owner Neil Hudgell and head of rugby operations Brian Stow, who represent Hiku, successfully claimed that the
centre was operating spontaneously and in support of player welfare as Hiku entered a not guilty plea.
A letter of support from Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet was also submitted.
As a result, the charge has been withdrawn, and Hiku can now go to New Zealand to train with the national team
before the Pacific Championships and participate in the KR preseason before the 2025 Super League season.
The tribunal examined the language of the rule and noted Hiku’s apparent concern for Nsemba. The grounds for the
ruling are now available on the RFL website.
The rationale for the ruling was stated in the NFL’s case notes and stated as follows: “The player shown sincere
concern for his opponent, according to the tribunal’s ruling.
“He was first on the scene and was best placed to decide whether the medics were required. He was gentle, he was
instinctive. He was caring and as soon as he realised that help was needed, he moved away.
“This cannot be deemed an unnecessary interaction by the tribunal. The regulation authors would not have said “no
contact whatsoever” if they had meant there to be none.
“It is evident that they would not act in such manner for sound policy reasons. Even though they might not have
medical training, the medics would be the first on the scene if a player was in the far corner and someone was
choking on their tongue and they were 200 yards away.
In light of this, the panel does not hesitate to declare that this interaction was not needless and that the charge is
unfounded.
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