Hull FC’s Ligi Sao ban upheld at tribunal
Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com - 30/04/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League: Round 11 - Hull FC vs Toulouse Olympique - MKM Stadium, Hull, England - Hull FC’s Ligi Sao celebrates the win.
It’s been a huge day for Hull FC.
They’ve announced the triple signing of Jack Walker, Josh Simm and Ellis Longstaff on loan and finally confirmed that Jake Trueman will be joining the club in 2023 on a three year deal as Brett Hodgson’s project at the MKM Stadium takes another massive step forward.
However, they have been hit with some bad news.
On Monday Hull were handed three bans following their huge 62-16 defeat to Leeds. Forwards Jordan Johnstone, Kane Evans and Ligi Sao all received bans worsening Hull’s availability crisis with injuries and bans leaving their squad thread bare ahead of Sunday’s huge Hull derby with Hull KR – a contest which could end either sides’ play-off hopes.
This is why Walker, Simm and Longstaff have been brought in and why Hull were also looking at Wigan back Sam Halsall.
However, they have been denied a further boost ahead of their derby. Their appeal to overturn Sao’s ban has failed.
Charged with a Grade B offence for “other contrary behaviour” yesterday and the subsequent two-match ban has been upheld.
No extra game has been added for it being a ‘frivolous’ challenge meaning there must have been some validity to the appeal.
Nonetheless, he will miss the derby.