The independent tribunal on Tuesday night upheld the Match Review Panel’s decision, meaning that Knowles will miss Thursday night’s Betfred Super League fixture away at Huddersfield Giants.

Knowles was charged with making a Grade B ‘Dangerous Contact’ offence with a Hull FC opponent during last Friday’s Betfred Super League match. The Match Review Panel had decided that the contact was reckless, posed an unacceptable risk of injury to the Hull FC player, and issued a one-match suspension.

The Saints argued that the contact was ‘careless’ rather than ‘reckless’ and that the charge should therefore be downgraded from B to A.

The independent tribunal found the grading to be correct and also issued Knowles a £500 fine.

The Saints had originally posted a 20-man squad for the match at the John Smith’s Stadium, awaiting on the decision of the Knowles appeal. Following the decision made on Tuesday night, Paul Wellens has called in to complete his matchday 21-man squad young outside back Wesley Bruines.

Bruines has yet to make his senior competitive debut for the Red V but has impressed in the Reserves and on loan spells for both Swinton Lions and North Wales Crusaders.