Leeds Rhinos will not be appealing Blake Austin’s ban after the Australian halfback was handed a one-game suspension last night by the RFL’s Disciplinary Match Review Panel.
The former Warrington Wolves halfback made his debut for Leeds against Hull FC in Tom Briscoe’s testimonial, but was handed a yellow card for ‘dangerous contact’ and has subsequently been handed a suspension.
The minutes have been revealed why Austin was given a one-match ban: “A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.”
Leeds, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, had until 11am today (Tuesday) to challenge the charge, but the RFL confirmed no appeal has been lodged by the West Yorkshire club.
It means that Austin will sit out the Rhinos’ opener against Warrington on Saturday which will be broadcast live at 12.30pm on Channel 4.
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