Wigan Warriors star discovers fate as Super League Grand Final ban appeal verdict delivered

Wigan Warriors forward Luke Thompson will miss England’s first Test match against Samoa this autumn having been unsuccessful in his appeal against a ban picked up following the Super League Grand Final.

Thompson played an eye-watering 76 minutes in last Saturday night’s showpiece at Old Trafford as Wigan beat Hull KR 9-2 to retain their Super League title, winning it two years on the spin for the first time in their proud history.

But come Monday, with the Warriors‘ celebrations still in full flow, the Match Review Panel handed the prop a suspension.

The 29-year-old was charged with Grade B Dangerous Contact for a late hit on the passer during the Grand Final, and given a one-match ban as a result.

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Luke Thompson discovers England fate as Super League Grand Final ban appeal verdict delivered

With suspensions carrying over into international fixtures, Thompson’s slap on the wrist meant that he would miss the first of England‘s two games against Samoa, which comes – coincidentally – at Wigan’s home ground.

Having seen his suspension upheld at a tribunal on Tuesday evening, that will remain the case, with the powerhouse absent for the international clash at The Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, October 27.

The RFL confirmed the same with a press release which reads: “The Tribunal rejected a challenge from Luke Thompson of Wigan Warriors against the grading of a Grade B dangerous Contact (late hit on passer) charge from the Warriors’ victory in the Super League Grand Final.

“Thompson is therefore to serve a one-match suspension and the club loses the £500 bond.”

Ex-NRL ace Thompson, who also has three appearances for Great Britain on his CV, will get the chance to add to his tally of eight England caps in the second game of the two-match Test Series, which comes at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley on Saturday, November 2.

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