Forward handed three-match ban following incidents in St Helens defeat

Halifax Panthers forward Jacob Fairbank has been handed a three-match ban for two separate incidents in their Challenge Cup defeat against St Helens.

The Championship side did themselves proud against the world champions, and Fairbank even crossed for a second half try that their efforts more than deserved, despite the 26-6 defeat.

But his efforts have come at a cost, and he will now miss three of the Panthers’ upcoming matches.

He will be eligible to play this weekend, when Halifax take on Batley at Summer Bash, but then miss the trips to Toulouse, Swinton and Bradford.

Both incidents occurred in the second half of Friday night’s game at The Shay.

The first, Grade B dangerous contact charge, was deemed to have applied pressure to the limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury and earned him a one-match ban.

His second charge, which added a further two matches, was for striking with the elbow/forearm off the ball, deemed a reckless contact.

Hard-working team-mate Eribe Doro was also cited for two incidents in the match, though he received a Grade B dangerous contact for both and fines totalling £250 but avoids a suspension.

The part-timers went toe-to-toe with the four-time successive Super League champions, who were cheered on by a large away support on their first visit to Halifax in 20 years.

Although Saints were never in danger of losing the match, it was an entertaining game throughout – and finished with a major talking point, as Morgan Knowles was shown the red card by referee Aaron Moore for a high shot on Tom Inman.

Knowles was subsequently banned for two-matches for the incident, which came at the end of his first match back from a five-match ban.

Batley’s Jonny Campbell, recalled by the Bulldogs to play for them against Hull KR in the Challenge Cup, was fined £125 for Grade B other contrary behaviour. He was cited for kicking out in a tackle.

The experienced winger has since returned to League 1 side Hunslet on a two-week loan deal, and goes in to contention for their home league fixture against Rochdale on Sunday.

Veteran stand-off Paul Sykes will miss one match for Dewsbury, after he was found guilty of a Grade B high tackle against Oldham.

Eribe Doro (Halifax Panthers) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £125 Fine

Eribe Doro (Halifax Panthers) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £125 Fine

Jacob Fairbank (Halifax Panthers) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Jacob Fairbank (Halifax Panthers) – Grade C Off The Ball Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice

Jonny Campbell (Batley Bulldogs) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – £125 Fine

Ryan Brown (Wigan Warriors Academy) – Grade C High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Kiernan Tierney (Bradford Bulls Academy) – Grade C Headbutt – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Lennie Jackson (Wakefield Trinity Academy) – Grade D Dangerous Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice & £25 Fine

Liam Whitton (Cornwall) – Grade A Disputes Decision – Not Applicable

Aaron Small (London Skolars) – Grade B Strikes – £40 Fine

Stevie Scholey (Workington Town) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £40 Fine

Joe Kickup (Workington Town) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £40 Fine

Paul Sykes (Dewsbury Rams) – Grade B High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Callum Cameron (Oldham) – Grade C High Tackle – 1 Match Penalty Notice