Morgan Knowles ruled out of Grand Final after failing appeal

St Helens forward Morgan Knowles has failed in his bid to have a ban overturned ahead of Saturday’s Grand Final against Leeds.

Knowles had appealed against a two-match suspension imposed following his sin-binning in Saints’ semi-final victory over Salford last weekend.

The Rugby Football League announced his challenge had been lost following a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday evening.

A statement read: “St Helens’ Morgan Knowles has lost his appeal against a two-match suspension for a Grade B dangerous contact with an opponent during Saturday’s Betfred Super League play-off semi-final against Salford Red Devils.”

Knowles received a yellow card for twisting and holding the arm of Chris Atkin behind his back during Saints’ 19-12 success at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

The first match of Knowles’ suspension will be this weekend’s Old Trafford showpiece against the Rhinos.

Appealing did carry the risk of having the ban increased. It could have impacted his availability for England’s World Cup campaign.

However, the independent tribunal hearing his case imposed a £500 fine as well as upholding the original charge and penalty.

England play Fiji at Salford on October 7. If he is named in the squad could be the second match of Knowles’ ban.

The national side begin their World Cup campaign against Samoa in Newcastle the following week. Knowles will be free to play in England’s World Cup opener at St James’ Park.

Super League Awards

St Helens chief executive Mike Rush and head coach Kristian Woolf didn’t attend tonight’s Super League Awards in Leeds. Instead, they attended Knowles’ hearing which took place at 6pm.

Woolf is up for the Coach of the Year award alongside Paul Rowley (Salford) and Matt Peet (Wigan).

Saints utility Jack Welsby has been nominated for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award as well as the Young Player of the Year.

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