Briers set to avoid suspension following punch

Warrington skipper Lee Briers looks set to avoid suspension after being charged with a Grade A offence of punching Carl Ablett during their play-off win over Leeds.

Briers, 35, wasn’t shown a card by referee James Child following the incident, but did concede a penalty, in an incident that generated much debate both during and after the game.

As the former Wales international is eligible to submit an Early Guilty Plea, he will avoid a possible one match ban if he does so.

The same fate applies to Catalan hooker Eloi Pelissier, who was cited for standing on Hull’s Aaron Heremaia during their play-off game on Friday.

A Grade A charge carries a suspension tariff of 0-1 match, with the Early Guilty Plea meaning players will automatically receive the suspension at the lower scale of the tariff.

Meanwhile, Batley winger Johnny Campbell was charged with making a Grade B high tackle in their dramatic play-off win over Leigh.

Campbell caught Adam Higson in the 80th minute of the game, which was decided by the golden point following a 14-14 draw in normal time.

He too has the option of an Early Guilty Plea, which would definitely rule him out of this Sunday’s play-off semi-final against Featherstone.