Alan Pallister could find himself in hot water after being cited for the tackle which left Featherstone Rovers scrum-half Jamie Rooney with a broken jaw.

The York Wasps skipper will appear before the Rugby Football League disciplinary committee next Tuesday charged with an alleged late and high tackle.

The incident just six minutes into Sunday's match at Huntington Stadium earned Pallister a spell in the sin-bin and was put on report by referee Julian King.

X-rays have since revealed that Rooney suffered a broken jaw, despite staying on the field for the remainder of the game. The highly-rated youngster now faces eight weeks on the sidelines.

Featherstone chairman Richard Evans today voiced his concern that a player could be killed unless dangerous high tackles are eliminated from the game.

Sunday's incident was the fourth time this season that Rooney had been allegedly deliberately taken out by an opponent.

Sheffield Eagles' former York forward Chris Judge was banned for six matches in December for twice elbowing the 20-year-old in the face.

At the end of the 1999 season Rooney collapsed after a match against Hunslet with what was described as severe bruising to the brain.

Evans said: "We have to stop the idea that taking people out by attacking their heads is a valid tactic in rugby league. If we don't then someone will be killed or maimed. These sickening incidents must not be allowed to continue."

Wasps coach Lee Crooks said he was not prepared to get into a "slanging match" with Evans but claimed his comments were not in the best interests of the game.

Crooks said they accepted Pallister had made contact with Rooney but did not believe it was intentional.

Pallister will have the chance to take his mind off the impending hearing at his first Testimonial event tonight.

A disco and buffet takes place at Clifton Park, home of York Rugby Union Club, starting at 7.30pm.

Entertainment will be provided by the singing duo Hi-Life, which features Wasps assistant coach Frank Punchard.

The cost is £12 and anyone who has not bought a ticket can pay on the door.

Updated: 09:22 Wednesday, February 07, 2001