Leeds unsuccessful in Harry Newman appeal

Leeds Rhinos have been unsuccessful in their second appeal against a ban handed out to Harry Newman.

Newman was initially charged with using Threatening Language or Body Language towards match official Tom Grant during the Rhinos’ 42-12 defeat at St Helens. For this, he was charged at Grade C.

He was handed down a two-match penalty notice. This was then increased to three matches after an unsuccessful appeal. It was bumped up by an extra match for a frivolous appeal.

Newman has already served two games of that suspension. The unsuccessful appeal means he will still miss the Rhinos’ trip to Toulouse.

LOVE RUGBY LEAGUE: Latest News, Podcast, App & Fantasy RL

Leeds also to be without Matt Prior

The Rhinos will also be without forward Matt Prior, after he was also unsuccessful in challenging a charge from the Match Review Panel.

Prior will miss Leeds’ next two matches after his appeal against a Match Review Panel decision was unsuccessful.

The 35-year-old challenged the panel’s verdict of Grade B Dangerous Contact during their Super League match against Castleford, but this was found to be correct. 

He will miss games against Toulouse and Wigan.

Other appeals saw Sione Mata’utia of St Helens, and Dean Hadley of Hull KR, successfully challenge their suspensions.

Hadley had been charged with a Grade B Late Hit on Kicker during the Robins’ Magic Weekend defeat to city rivals Hull FC. This was downgraded to a Grade A, and a zero-match penalty notice was handed down. He will be free to face Wakefield on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Mata’utia was charged with a Grade B Intentional Trip during their Magic Weekend win over Wigan on Saturday. This was downgraded to a caution on appeal. Mata’utia will be able to face Huddersfield on Friday.

READ MORE: Super League appeals: Leeds Rhinos, St Helens & Hull KR verdicts