St Helens forward Morgan Knowles learns fate at tribunal
Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com.
Morgan Knowles will miss St Helens’ trip to Huddersfield on Thursday following an unsuccessful appeal against his one-match suspension.
The England international was charged for a Grade B dangerous contact following his side’s 20-12 victory over Hull last Friday.
Off-season recruit Wesley Bruines has instead been named to complete Paul Wellens’ 21-man squad for the trip to the John Smith’s Stadium.
Morgan Knowles unsuccessful in appeal
St Helens shared in a statement: “The independent tribunal on Tuesday night upheld the Match Review Panel’s decision, meaning that Knowles will miss Thursday night’s Betfred Super League fixture away at Huddersfield Giants.
“Knowles was charged with making a Grade B ‘Dangerous Contact’ offence with a Hull FC opponent during last Friday’s Betfred Super League match. The Match Review Panel had decided that the contact was reckless, posed an unacceptable risk of injury to the Hull FC player, and issued a one-match suspension.
“The club argued that the contact was ‘careless’ rather than ‘reckless’ and that the charge should therefore be downgraded from B to A.
“The independent tribunal found the grading to be correct and also issued Knowles a £500 fine.
“The Saints had originally posted a 20-man squad for the match at the John Smith’s Stadium, awaiting on the decision of the Knowles appeal. Following the decision made on Tuesday night, Paul Wellens has called in to complete his matchday 21-man squad young outside back Wesley Bruines.
“Bruines has yet to make his senior competitive debut for the Red V but has impressed in the Reserves and on loan spells for both Swinton Lions and North Wales Crusaders.”
Leeds’ James Bentley also received the same ban, with the club deciding not to appeal.
Super League players charged following latest round
Five other players were charged following the latest round of Super League action, with four fined. Catalans’ Arthur Romano received no further action for a Grade A striking charge.
- Joe Westerman (Castleford) – Grade B dangerous contact, £250 fine
- George Williams (Warrington) – Grade B tripping, £250 fine
- Shane Wright (Salford) – Grade B dangerous contact, £250 fine
- Davy Litten (Hull) – Grade B other contrary behaviour, £250 fine
- Arthur Romano (Catalans) – Grade A striking, no further action
READ NEXT: Rohan Smith on Mikolaj Oledzki timeframe & verdict on James Bentley suspension
