Catalans Dragons’ Joel Tomkins ‘mortified’ being hit by eight-game ban for incident during win over Leeds Rhinos

Catalans Dragons forward Joel Tomkins insists his conscience is clear after he was given an eight-match ban for making “inappropriate” contact with Leeds full-back Richie Myler.
MORTIFIED: Catalans Dragons' Joel Tomkins. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comMORTIFIED: Catalans Dragons' Joel Tomkins. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
MORTIFIED: Catalans Dragons' Joel Tomkins. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

The former Wigan and England back-rower was found guilty of a charge of “other contrary behaviour” after television footage appeared to show him putting his finger between Myler’s buttocks during a tackle in the Dragons’ Super League play-off win over the Rhinos last Friday.

Tomkins told a disciplinary hearing his reputation would be forever damaged by the accusation and he feared his career could be ended by the stigma caused by it.

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But he was found guilty by a Rugby Football League operational rules tribunal after a hearing on Tuesday night that ended up lasting almost five hours.

Catalans' Joel Tomkins was judged to have committed the offence during last Friday's Super League play-off win against Leeds Rhinos,. above. 
 Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeCatalans' Joel Tomkins was judged to have committed the offence during last Friday's Super League play-off win against Leeds Rhinos,. above. 
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Catalans' Joel Tomkins was judged to have committed the offence during last Friday's Super League play-off win against Leeds Rhinos,. above. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

In a statement issued to Wigantoday yesterday, Tomkins, 33, insists the contact was “unintended” and he feels “mortified” about the public shaming caused by the guilty verdict.

“I’m mortified I’ve been found guilty of this charge,” he said.

“My conscience is completely clear on this - there is absolutely no way I would ever attempt to do what I’ve been accused of.

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“I’m not denying my hand ends up on Richie Myler’s backside but it was completely unintended.

“I’ve been playing the game for 16 years and it’s not something that would cross my mind or any player’s mind.”

Tomkins says he felt the matter had been settled after speaking to Myler after the match and was shocked to be told of the charge.

“I’m not going to appeal because, frankly, after this I’ve no faith in their system,” he said.

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“I feel the damage has been done to my reputation and I’ve known other players appeal in the past and have suspensions extended.”

Along with hooker Michael McIlorum, who was banned for six matches for two offences in that game, Tomkins will miss the Dragons’ semi-final against St Helens tomorrow and the Grand Final a week later if they get there.

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