Anthony Milford and Adam Doueihi banned following World Cup openers

The Rugby League World Cup 2021 match review panel have given suspensions to Samoa half-back Anthony Milford and Lebanon half-back Adam Doueihi following their opening games.

Milford has received a one-match penalty notice for a Grade A dangerous contract charge. He was sin-binned in their 60-6 to England in Newcastle for a late hit on England skipper Sam Tomkins.

Milford is likely to miss Samoa’s match against Greece on Sunday.

After a disappointing loss to England in the opener, Samoa still have France and Greece to play in the groups. It is looking unlikely that they will finish top though given their embarrassing defeat to England in Newcastle.

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Meanwhile, Doueihi will miss Lebanon’s vital clash with Ireland in Leigh on Sunday. The match review panel gave him a one-match penalty notice for Grade A foul and/or abusive language to a match official. He was sent off for the offence in their 34-12 defeat to New Zealand in Warrington.

Lebanon face Ireland and Jamaica in their two remaining group games. They would have to win both games if they are to progress to the knockout stages.

REPORT: New Zealand 34-12: 5,435 crowd watch Kiwis get underway

Elsewhere, England winger Dom Young (tripping) and Scotland captain Dale Ferguson (other contrary behaviour) were cautioned.

The deadline for Milford and Doueihi to appeal their suspensions is 11am on Tuesday, October 18.

Paul Cullen, Phil Veivers, Paul Dixon and Steve Clark are on the RLWC2021 match review panel.

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