Revealed: St Helens avoid punishment despite second failed Matty Lees appeal

As St Helens battle with Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards for a place in the top two and a home semi-final in the Super League play-offs, they twice appealed Matty Lees’ suspension rising from their game against Huddersfield Giants for a high tackle.

However, both appeals failed meaning he will miss St Helens’ games against Hull KR and Castleford Tigers in the coming weeks.

It is a blow for the Saints who have lost Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi for the rest of the season through injury.

But fortunately for the Saints and especially Lees, this time they weren’t handed further punishment for the Lees appeal.

Last night he was fined £500 but that wasn’t the case tonight.

The club did issue the following statement:

“St Helens have been unsuccessful in appealing against the decision made by the Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday night that Matty Lees should be suspended for two matches and fined £500. The Club’s appeal was rejected, meaning that the punishment will stand.

“Lees was issued a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ charge following the Saints’ victory over Huddersfield Giants on Sunday afternoon by the Match Review Panel on Monday.

“On Tuesday night the Club appeared before the Operational Rules Tribunal to plead ‘Not Guilty’, but the independent tribunal upheld the Match Review Panel’s decision.

“The Club’s then lodged an appeal on Wednesday night which was based on the fact that we believe the Operational Rules Tribunal made an error of law in its decision or failed to act fairly in a procedural sense. This appeal was rejected, meaning Lees’ punishment stands and will rule Saints’ #10 out of the next two Betfred Super League matches; firstly against Hull KR at home and then Castleford Tigers away.

“St Helens R.F.C. stands by the decision to appeal but accepts the process is now over and we look forward to our upcoming match against Hull KR at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday night.

“Paul Wellens has initially named a 20-man squad for the Round 22 fixture, subject to the Club’s appeal, the Saints can now confirm that completing our squad declaration will be #34 – Wesley Bruines.”