Liam Watts receives four-game ban as RFL tribunal results revealed

Castleford Tigers prop Liam Watts will miss the next four Super League matches after failing in a bid to have his Grade E head contact charge downgraded at a tribunal on Tuesday night – while Hull FC prop Franklin Pele has been banned for three games.

Watts pleaded guilty to making contact with Wigan prop Tyler Dupree’s head during Saturday’s game against Wigan Warriors, and the tribunal present decided that the original grading of E should stand. It means he will be banned for the next month, a significant blow for Castleford coach Craig Lingard.

However, his Tigers’ teammate Charbel Tasipale saw his head contact charge downgraded from C to B and is free to play this weekend. The players were fined £750 and £250 respectively. Castleford have already said they are ‘considering their options’ in regards to Watts’ ban over the next 24 hours, suggesting a second appeal could be incoming.

Meanwhile Pele, who was sent off on his Super League debut, has been handed a three-match ban following an incident with Elliot Minchella in the Hull derby. Hull will also be without Ligi Sao this weekend for their trip to Warrington – but only for that match, after his two-game ban was downgraded to one following a successful appeal.

Catalans hooker Michael McIlorum has also been given a four-game ban after a head contact charge of Grade E, following the Dragons’ opening-weekend win against Warrington Wolves. His team-mate, Paul Seguier, has had a two-match ban downgraded to one after the grading of his incident was lowered.

Salford Red Devils have won their appeal to free their fullback, Ryan Brierley, to play in Sunday’s game against Castleford. Brierley had his Grade C head contact charge downgraded to Grade B, but he was fined £250.

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