Revealed: The punishment Matty Lees received for failed appeal

As St Helens battle with Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards for a spot in the top two and a home semi final in the play offs, they were stuck by a huge blow going into games against Hull KR and Castleford Tigers following victory against Huddersfield Giants.

The Saints battled Huddersfield in a postponed Round One clash which was moved due to Saints’ participation in the World Club Challenge against Penrith Panthers.

Saints won the match against the Giants as Ian Watson’s side lost Matty English to a yellow card and Joe Greenwood to a red card in an incident that eventually saw Matty Lees banned for a high tackle.

The Saints opted to appeal the decision last night at tribunal and failed with the appeal.

Following this, Lees was handed a further punishment. This came in the shape of a £500 fine as confirmed by the RFL.

A bitter pill for Lees to swallow and no doubt for the Saints to as well after the loss of Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi for the rest of the season.

The Saints made the following statement:

“St Helens prop Matty Lees has been unsuccessful in his appeal against a two-match penalty notice for a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ charge in the Saints’ win over Huddersfield Giants last Sunday.
Lees pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ to the Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday night, but the independent tribunal upheld the Match Review Panel’s decision and he has also been fined £500.

“This means Lees will miss this Friday’s home clash with Hull KR, and next week’s visit to Castleford.”

The following players have accepted penalty notices imposed by the Match Review Panel.

Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants) – High Tackle – Grade – N/A
Joe Greenwood (Huddersfield Giants) – Striking – Grade B – £250 fine
Oliver Russell (Huddersfield Giants) – Dangerous Contact – Grade B – £250 fine
Michael Knowles (Hunslet) – Dangerous Contact – Grade C – 1 match
Lewis Hall (Swinton Lions) – Dangerous Contact – Grade C – 1 match
Lewis Young (Keighley Cougars) – High Tackle – Grade C – 1 match
Kieran Taylor (North Wales Crusaders) – Dangerous Contact – Grade C – 1 match
Ellis Robson (Keighley Cougars) – Dangerous Contact – Grade B – £125 fine
Connor Carr (Oldham) – Dangerous Throw – Grade B – £40 fine
Joey Leilua (Featherstone Rovers) – Strike – Grade A – NFA