Leeds Rhinos confirm appeal decision as footage revealed

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that they will be appealing the controversial suspension picked up by Cameron Smith against Castleford Tigers.

The club made the following statement:

“Leeds Rhinos will appeal the Grade B Dangerous Contact charge against captain Cameron Smith from the Match Review Panel after last Thursday’s win at Castleford Tigers. Smith has been handed a one game ban which would mean he would miss this Friday’s clash with Warrington Wolves.”

The club also revealed footage of the incident which makes the altercation with Danny Richardson seem very soft.

You can watch it here.

If the appeal is successful the Leeds Rhinos skipper can feature against Warrington Wolves on Friday night.

It therefore appeared that Leeds have accepted the Grade B charge given to Justin Sangare which will mean the French prop will miss the game. Fortunately, prop Tom Holroyd should return from the bruised elbow suffered against St Helens.

The club have since confirmed this decision adding: “Justin Sangare has also received a one game ban for a Grade C Head Contact charge, the club will not be appealing this charge.”

Match Review Panel round up including Leeds Rhinos charges

Yesterday, seven players were charged following Rivals Round in the Super League disciplinary process.

One player, Liam Byrne of Wigan Warriors, was given a Grade E charge for making head contact with St Helens centre Mark Percival, resulting in a red card offence.

His case will be heard at tonight’s Operational Rules Tribunal, which will determine his punishment. Grade E offences can result in a ban of three to five games and a fine.

Two other forwards, Tyler Dupree and Matty Lees, were also charged for head contact in the same game. Lees was given a two-game ban, compared to Dupree’s one-match suspension, which could lead to an appeal from St Helens.

As aforementioned, Leeds Rhinos players Justin Sangare and Cam Smith were also handed one-game bans for Grade C and Grade B charges, respectively. The Cam Smith charge will be appealed.

Additionally, Paul Vaughan of Warrington Wolves received a two-game ban for his Grade C charge of dangerous contact. Harvey Livett was charged with a Grade B charge of head contact but was not banned. He may still appeal, as Leigh Leopards and John Asiata did last month. It is unclear whether there have been any further appeals.