Appeal decision reached on Wigan Warriors star Luke Thompson

An RFL Operational Rules Tribunal have heard Wigan Warriors star Luke Thompson’s disciplinary appeal after his one-match ban.

Thompson starred in the Grand Final victory for Wigan Warriors with the prop recording some incredible stat lines including 145 metres and 48 tackles, however, he fell foul of a ban.

The Match Review Panel met yesterday and handed a Grade B charge for ‘Late Contact on the passer’ which has carried a punishment of a one-match ban.

Devastatingly, that ban will carry over to the international games meaning as it stands Thompson is in line to miss the first of the England versus Samoa tests which will be played on Sunday, 27th October at Wigan Warriors’ Brick Community Stadium.

It was confirmed earlier that Wigan would appeal with the decision reported by Yorkshire Live as the club and England try to free Thompson up for international duty.

That decision is similar to the one Warrington made at the end of last season as they contested a George Williams one-match ban, only to see it doubled to two. Wigan Warriors will be hoping that Thompson is not as unlucky.

Wigan Warriors star hears disciplinary verdict

The verdict on Luke Thompson has now been returned and it has been confirmed that the Wigan Warriors man will miss the first England international with the club unsuccessful in their appeal.

A statement from the RFL read: “The Tribunal rejected a challenge from Luke Thompson of Wigan Warriors against the grading of a Grade B dangerous Contact (late hit on passer) charge from the Warriors victory in the Betfred Super League Grand Final. Thompson is therefore to serve a one-match suspension and the club loses the £500 bond.”

Unlike George Williams last year, no further game was added to the suspension meaning it is just the first of the two-game series that Thompson misses but it is still a major blow for the player and for Shaun Wane, who would surely have been considering Thompson as a starter.