Players involved in the St Helens-Bulls punch-up have today escaped further punishment.

A mass brawl broke out in Friday's ill-tempered grudge match at Knowsley Road and the incident was put on report by referee Robert Connolly.

Mike Forshaw and Sonny Nickle were sin-binned for fighting in the incident but censure was expected this week for some of the other players who appeared to be involved.

Bulls winger Lesley Vainikolo, in particular, was clearly seen by the Sky Sports TV cameras to be throwing punches, but there is to be no further punishment.

Rugby League chiefs decided there was no case to answer and the door has been shut on the incident, although grudges are likely to be carried over for when the sides next clash.

A spokesman for the Bradford Bulls said: "If there is no case to answer then the matter is closed as far as we are concerned."

l Keighley Cougars second rower Oliver Wilkes has not been so lucky, after being called up last night before rugby league bosses and handed a three-match ban and a £75 fine for use of the forearm.

Wilkes was put on report after felling John Duffy while running with the ball during the second-half of the Cougars' 52-14 loss to Leigh Centurions ten days ago.

Coach Gary Moorby was disappointed with the decision but the loss of Wilkes was tempered by news that Oli Marns' loan from Halifax Blue Sox has been extended for a week.