Morgan Knowles ban goes against sentencing guidelines
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 24/09/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Grand Final - St Helens v Leeds Rhinos - Old Trafford, Manchester, England - St Helens's Morgan Knowles.
Morgan Knowles was found guilty of his Grade D charge of dangerous contract and banned for a huge five games.
He was one of two players to face the tribunal with the other being Gil Dudson of Warrington, who also was hit with a five game ban.
A statement from the RFL said:
“Forwards Gil Dudson (Warrington Wolves) and Morgan Knowles (St Helens) have both been suspended for five matches by tonight’s independent tribunals.
“Dudson was referred to tribunal by the Match Review Panel on a Grade E charge of punching a Catalans Dragons opponent during Saturday’s Betfred Super League match in Perpignan. He is also fined £500.
“The Match Review Panel had referred Knowles on a Grade D charge of dangerous contact with a Wigan Warriors player during the Good Friday derby at the DW Stadium. He too is fined £500.”
St Helens reacted to the ban via Tweet.
Following an independent tribunal held tonight, St Helens loose forward Morgan Knowles has been issued a five-match suspension and fined £500.#COYS
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) April 11, 2023
The charge against Knowles had triggered plenty of debate and was even brought into contention after Huddersfield Giants’ Jermaine McGillvary showed footage of the tackle, to one that he suffered.
The tackle in question that Knowles was found guilty of dangerous contact for resulted in the injury of Wigan man Mike Cooper, who is now out for 9-12 months.
The ban itself goes against the sentencing guidelines set out by the RFL which states a Grade D charge is worthy of a ban of 2-3 games.
Perhaps the tribunal upgraded the charge after looking at the incident more closely?