Leeds Rhinos make decision on whether to appeal James McDonnell ban
James McDonnell didn't feature for Leeds Rhinos due to an injury picked up in training. - Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
The Match Review Panel have delivered their verdict of the action from Round 13 of the Betfred Super League but only one player has been banned.
It was a brilliant round of action headlined by a feisty affair between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens.
In the 76th minute of the game a mass pile in was sparked by a Sam Walters error with an altercation between James McDonnell and Jonny Lomax the epi-centre.
McDonnell was sent off after the touch judge said he saw a punch from McDonnell in the altercation.
He is the only player banned from the weekend’s action as he was hit with a two match ban and a fine.
The panel explains the ban in the minutes as: “Punching – One on One – Contact to the Head.”
This is despite no clear footage of the punch on Sky Sports.
That said, Lomax came away from the incident bleeding.
Despite this, Leeds Rhinos are appealing the decision as confirmed to Serious About Rugby League by an RFL spokesperson.
Thus, there is a chance McDonnell could be available for the game against Castleford Tigers at the Magic Weekend on Saturday.
There is a chance the appeal could be deemed as frivolous, something Leeds have been burnt with in the past.