Ablett susended for cup semi final

Leeds will be without Carl Ablett for the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi final after the second-row was found guilty of recklessly striking with the forearm and handed a three-match ban.

He was placed on report for the late challenge on Sam Tomkins in the Rhinos’ 26-12 loss to Wigan.

The verdict means selection problems for coach Brian McClennan, as fellow second-row forwards Ali Lauitiiti, Gred Eastwood and Ian Kirke all sidelined through injury.

 
Ablett was also given a £300 fine by the RFL disciplinary committee.

He will miss the next two league fixtures against Castleford and Les Catalans, but would be available for the Challenge Cup final on August 28th should Leeds win on Saturday.

Ablett could decide to launch an appeal against the decision, especially as the suspension given was the maximum for a Grace C offence.

With Ablett suspended and three other players injured, McClennan may need to move centre Keith Senior into the second row to fill that gap in the starting thirteen.