Hull KR learn result of second appeal against Elliot Minchella ban

Hull KR have appealed captain Elliot Minchella’s ban for a second time and they’ve now learned the verdict.

Minchella was handed a two-game ban after the Round 26 game against Leigh Leopards with the KR skipper sin-binned for a high tackle on a stooping Matt Moylan.

It prompted a nervous disciplinary wait before the England international was handed a Grade C charge which carried a two-game ban, one game of which the Hull KR man has since served.

However, Hull KR confirmed their intent to appeal the decision, a process that was delayed until Tuesday night, when they were ultimately unsuccessful.

The Robins’ appeal saw Minchella plead guilty but the club challenged the grading, hoping to overturn the Grade C down to a B which would mean just a one-game ban, a game that has already been served in Round 27.

They have now met today to challenge the grading once again in a second appeal as they aim to free up their captain for their play-off semi-final next Friday night at Craven Park.

There has been a history of second appeals at this stage of the season with St Helens doing so to free up Morgan Knowles back in 2022.

Hull KR learn fate of second Minchella appeal

Hull KR have now learned the fate of their appeal and the grading of Minchella’s ban has been upheld.

That means that Hull KR will not have their skipper available for next Friday’s play-off clash.

A statement from the RFL read: “Following the decision of an independent Operational Rules Tribunal to uphold a Grade C charge, and ensuing two-match suspension, for Head Contact by Elliot Minchella in Hull KR’s Betfred Super League Round 26 fixture at Leigh Leopards, Hull KR exercised their right of appeal.

“A new independent Operational Rules Appeals Tribunal was convened on Friday September 27 – and upheld the decision of the ORT, meaning the Grade C charge, and ensuing suspension, stand.

“Elliot Minchella served the first match of his suspension in Hull KR’s Round 27 fixture against Leeds Rhinos, and therefore remains unavailable for their Semi Final next Friday (October 4).”