Ryan Bailey has controversial say on Morgan Knowles appeal as he gives Grand Final prediction for St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos

Ryan Bailey is well versed in Grand Finals.

The former Leeds prop won six of them at Leeds starting the Rhinos’ first ever Grand Final success in 2004 at prop prior to starting on the bench in Leeds’ four Grand Final wins over St Helens in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.

He then started their 2012 triumph against Warrington at prop in what was his final Old Trafford appearance for the Rhinos.

Leeds are returning to Old Trafford this weekend for the first time in five years looking to win a ninth Grand Final all in all, which would be a record but one also chased by opponents St Helens.

However, the story of this year’s Grand Final has been underpinned by Morgan Knowles’ ban. He was yellow carded in St Helens’ semi-final win against Salford for twisting Chris Atkin’s arm in a tackle.

He subsequently received a two-match ban which the Saints appealed on Tuesday and lost. However, in a twist of fate a second appeal overturned the original verdict allowing him to play on Saturday.

Unsurprisingly Bailey, who had more than his fair share of run ins with the disciplinary panel due to the tenacity with which he played the game, has had a very bold say on the matter calling the RFL “corrupt.”

He took to Twitter to say: “It’s not about who wins appeals and who doesn’t, it’s the fact RLF is so corrupt its unbelievable I want every player to play in big games rather than banned over petty tackles that would of been ok in 2002-2014.”

It’s not about who wins appeals and who doesn’t, it’s the fact RLF is so corrupt its unbelievable I want every player to play in big games rather than banned over petty tackles that would of been ok in 2002-2014 😂😂

— RYAN BAILEY (@BAILS168) September 22, 2022

Nonetheless, Bailey is clearly excited for the Grand Final tipping Leeds to win by seven with Rhyse Martin, who himself returns from a ban, Bailey’s pick for Man of the Match.

Leeds win by 7 💥 MOM Reece Martin

— RYAN BAILEY (@BAILS168) September 22, 2022

Meanwhile, Bailey is hoping we see the traditional rugby league biff and that the referee lets it slide on the biggest stage.

I hope this grand final as some biff and the refs let it flow and not make it about them for some airtime

— RYAN BAILEY (@BAILS168) September 22, 2022