Rhyse Martin breaks silence on ban after Leeds Rhinos star gets suspension upgraded

Last night, Leeds Rhinos’ Rhyse Martin had his ban upgraded to two games after being found guilty of a ‘frivolous appeal.’

The RFL revealed: “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.”

It’s fair to say it was a decision that wasn’t entirely popular with the rugby league fraternity with the punishment’s increase meaning Martin would not even play in Leeds’ semi-final if they were able to beat the Catalans Dragons on Friday night.

And, the Papua New Guinea international took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the ban, with the forward clearly upset.

Martin tweeted: “I’m devastated by this outcome!!” and was met with a series of supportive messages.

I’m devastated by this outcome!! 😞 https://t.co/tVOI8HreF9

— Rhyse Martin (@rhysemartin) September 6, 2022

Martin was initially charged with a Grade A High Tackle on Alex Mellor during Leeds’ last-gasp win over Castleford last weekend.

The former Leeds and Huddersfield Giants had his own say on the issue, believing that a penalty should have been awarded especially as it broke his nose, but felt that a ban was harsh.

“Yeah looking at it it doesn’t look bad,” Mellor told Serious About Rugby League. “It’s probably a penalty for a high shot as it does break my nose but not a ban.

“There’s not much Rhyse can do there as I’m falling.”

That being said, Martin will now miss the crunch clash on Friday which will end his season prematurely unless, of course, the Rhinos make the Grand Final at the end of this month.