St Helens to appeal Morgan Knowles suspension

St Helens have confirmed that they will be appealing the one-match suspension handed to loose forward and England international Morgan Knowles.

Knowles, 26, received the ban for a Grade B dangerous contact following the side’s 20-12 victory over Hull at the Totally Wicked Stadium last Friday.

The minutes from the match review panel read: “A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.”

As it stands, Knowles is set to miss Thursday night’s match against Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium.

However, the club has confirmed that they will be appealing his penalty notice for the incident that occurred in the 71st minute during Friday’s home victory.

An independent tribunal hearing is scheduled for Tuesday night.

Wellens hoping to add Morgan Knowles to squad

Head coach Paul Wellens has only initially named a 20-man squad for the game against Huddersfield with the hope of adding Knowles if he is successful in his appeal.

If unsuccessful, another Saints player will be added to Thursday’s Round Six team.

Sione Mata’utia and Konrad Hurrell both return, having served their respective two-match suspensions. Outside-back Will Hopoate is also named in the squad for the first time in Super League 2023. The Tonga international has been sidelined since featuring in the World Club Challenge Victory over Penrith Panthers in Australia.

Wellens also confirmed that centre Ben Davies is set to miss up to six weeks of action after suffering ankle ligament damage. He was forced from the field with injury during Friday’s home victory in the second half.