Ireland prop to appeal ban a second time

Ireland vs Jamaica was as fiery affair as you’re ever likely to see in the Rugby League World Cup.

There were two yellow cards, an accusation by Leeds Rhinos star James Bentley that an opponent had squeezed his testicles and ultimately the game was cited a huge nine times by the match review panel.

Three of those citations went the way of Wigan Warriors prop Liam Byrne.

He was twice charged with dangerous contact each yielding a one-match ban which Byrne and Ireland accepted.

Meanwhile, he was also handed a caution for “other contrary behaviour.”

His fellow prop Jaimin Joliffe also received a ban for a high tackle which led to his opponent going to hospital.

He appealed that verdict last night but the decision was upheld.

Now though Ireland are again appealing the decision ahead of a must win game against New Zealand in which Ireland need a win to give themselves hope of making the quarter-finals which now looks unlikely.

This is why he has been included in Ireland’s squad for the game.

In a statement released by World Cup organisers, they confirmed that the tribunal will hear the verdict tonight: “Jaimin Joliffe (Ireland) is appealing the decision made by the independent judiciary tribunal to uphold the one match penalty notice which he was issued for Grade A High Tackle during Sunday’s RLWC2021 group game against Lebanon.

“The appeal will be heard this evening at a judiciary appeals tribunal. The outcome will be published on the RLWC2021 website.”