Leeds Rhinos to appeal Rhyse Martin ‘frivolous charge’ suspension

Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith has revealed that the club will be appealing the frivolous charge handed to Rhyse Martin.

Last week, the Operations Rules Tribunal stated: “Leeds Rhinos’ Rhyse Martin has lost his appeal against a one match penalty notice issued yesterday by the Match Review Panel – and has had his suspension increased to two games.

“Martin admitted making a careless high tackle during the Rhinos Betfred Super League match against Castleford Tigers last weekend, but challenged the grading. An independent tribunal upheld the review panel’s Grade A verdict, found the challenge found to be frivolous and issued an additional £500 fine.”

Now though Smith has revealed why they are appealing that charge.

“We are appealing the frivolous determination which is tonight at 5.30pm,” Smith said.

“I think it is a very strong case that the appeal wasn’t frivolous. We went through what the processes were last week.

“We were well prepared and clear and didn’t think it was frivolous.”

It was a decision that wasn’t entirely popular with the rugby league fraternity with the punishment’s increase meaning Martin did not play in Leeds’ win over the Catalans Dragons last week and was ruled out for this week’s semi-final against the Wigan Warriors.

If the club is successful, Martin would be available for that semi-final crunch clash, but, if not he would have to wait for the Grand Final if Leeds did make it.