Leeds Rhinos legend Barrie McDermott calls for disciplinary system to be ‘scrapped’ following Morgan Knowles decision

Leeds Rhinos legend Barrie McDermott has shared his unhappiness with St Helens’ Morgan Knowles being able to play in this week’s Grand Final clash.

Last night, Morgan Knowles, who was banned for a Grade B Dangerous Contact charge following Saints’ semi-final play-off win against the Salford Red Devils, was cleared to play in this week’s Grand Final.

Saints took the decision to appeal the original ban on Tuesday where the original decision was upheld, but the appeal was not deemed frivolous so Knowles’ two-match ban stood.

The Merseyside club then appealed the appeal and last night the ban was overturned.

Sky Sports rugby league pundit Barrie McDermott has now explained why it has caused such upset within the rugby league fraternity.

“Morgan Knowles is a magnificent player and in many ways, I am pleased he is going to be part of the big dance, the Grand Final at Old Trafford,” McDermott told Sky Sports News.

“But what everybody screams out for is the consistency, where is the one rule for one and one rule for another.

“So, it is a bit of a shame really because we have got a magnificent game in store with St Helens, who are looking to do the Grand Final victory for a record fourth time, and Leeds Rhinos, who have come from absolutely nowhere.

“So, a lot of controversy this week and unfortunately it is everybody around the game who is taking the headlines away from those 34 players who will take part in the game on Saturday evening.

“In my opinion that is a two-match ban, everyone was sort of satisfied. It has a knock-on effect for England in the World Cup but regardless, everyone was satisfied.

“I think the disciplinary needs to be completely scrapped, overhauled, we wipe the slate clean and we find something everyone is happy with because I don’t think anyone outside of St Helens will be happy with this.”