PAUL Vaughan would dearly love to be getting stuck in with his Warrington Wolves teammates as they start their play-off campaign this weekend.

For well-documented reasons, however, he will be reduced to the role of reluctant spectator and enthusiastic cheerleader when The Wire take on St Helens in the eliminator round.

As a result of the four-match ban handed to him by the RFL for Grade E ‘unacceptable contact’ on Saints forward Sione Mata’utia during the Round 26 match between the two sides earlier this month, Vaughan will play no part in whatever remains of his first season in England.

The decision to charge and subsequently ban the prop for lifting Mata’utia off the ground by his shirt in the dying seconds of the game was heavily criticised, particularly when it emerged his opponent had submitted evidence to the tribunal admitting he was getting up slowly to run the clock down as opposed to being injured.

Still, the ban stood and while clearly devastated, Vaughan was keen to move on but hopes what happened sparks a conversation about adding more discretion to the current rule.

“I was doing next year’s jersey shoot for the club when Gaz (Chambers) called me – I thought he just wanted a chat but he told me I had a Grade E,” he said.

“I had no idea what I’d done to get it. We went over it and it was definitely disappointing.

“I was really grateful for Sione going into bat for me – it was a nice thing to do and I respect him a lot for that as I know he went through the same thing the year before.

“There was no malice or bad intention but I understand while the rule is there.

“If there was any time to sort of have a look at that rule, it should be now.

“Not just because it was my situation but I think it was a little bit different to what the rule actually says.

“If someone’s unconscious or seriously injured, you can’t touch them and I understand that but I think my situation was different and the grading could have been less.

“Given the backlash it got, everyone knew what the situation was but that’s the line in the sand and you can’t do it.”

This weekend, Vaughan was named in the Super League Dream Team after a stellar first campaign on these shores.

He revealed he found out about his selection just before having to defend himself against his charge, making it a bittersweet moment for the Australian.

Now, he is focused on being as big a help as possible for his teammates as they prepare to try and beat the odds at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

“It was definitely bittersweet – I found out just as we were about to go in for the trial,” he said.

“I was ecstatic, but I knew I then had to go in and try to defend myself.

“It was very disappointing and I’m gutted not to be playing as this is when you want to be playing.

“I’d give anything to be able to play on the weekend – it’s what you work hard for all season and get flogged for in pre-season.

“It’s been eating at me, but I’ve got to cop it on the chin and move on.

“I’m a terrible watcher. For me, I’m passionate and love watching footy, but when it’s my team and I know I can be out there contributing, its hard.

“I couldn’t sit still during the Giants game – I just want to see the boys do well.

“If they want me to do anything – whether it’s running the water or anything like that – I’ll do it to support the boys. I’ll be their biggest fanboy this week.”