When Semi Tadulala, the Bradford Bulls and Fiji wing, dragged Eorl Crabtree, the hulking and hirsute Huddersfield Giants and England prop, into touch by the only thing he seemed able to grab on to — Crabtree’s ponytail — he could scarcely imagine the trouble that his “follical challenge” would land him in.

Crabtree’s uncle was the late Shirley Crabtree, otherwise known as “Big Daddy”, and although hair-pulling occasionally featured in his wrestling bouts, rugby league frowns upon such actions. Tadulala was only penalised during Bradford’s 28-18 victory away to Huddersfield on Sunday, but he was cited by the RFL’s match review panel yesterday and charged with behaviour contrary to the spirit of the game.

Tadulala will appear before the League’s disciplinary panel this evening and if found guilty of the grade C offence, will be suspended for up to four matches. Such a penalty would rule him out of the rest of the regular engage Super League season for Bradford, who are virtually certain to miss the play-offs for the first time.

With Huddersfield’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final appearance against Warrington Wolves on Saturday week at Wembley, the Giants breathed a sigh of relief when Scott Moore, the hooker, who is on a season-long loan from St Helens, avoided further punishment after his yellow card for a late tackle on Paul Deacon, the Bradford captain.

Huddersfield do have an injury concern over Stephen Wild, their back-row forward, who limped off during Sunday’s match with a sore knee. With the final in mind, he may not be risked in Friday’s fixture away to St Helens, the league leaders.

Lee Briers, the Warrington stand-off, is hoping that the facial injury he suffered in the 36-16 defeat by Wigan Warriors last Friday will not prevent him playing in the final. He was due a second scan last night after an X-ray showed no serious damage.

Cyril Gossard, the Catalans Dragons forward, has been charged with a reckless grapple tackle on Tom Briscoe, the Hull wing, during his side’s 18-6 win in Béziers on Saturday. Danny Brough, the Wakefield Wildcats scrum half, will also appear before a disciplinary hearing today after his dismissal for using foul and abusive language to James Child, the referee, during his side’s 46-12 defeat of Celtic Crusaders on Sunday.

Brisbane Broncos have joined a long list of NRL suitors interested in signing Sam Burgess, the 20-year-old England forward, when his contract expires at Bradford after the 2010 season.

Leigh Centurions’ recruitment for next season under Ian Millward, who takes over as coach in October, has stepped up with the signing of Ricky Bibey, the Wakefield prop. It follows the high-profile capture of Robbie Paul, the former New Zealand player.