Appeal decision reached on St Helens star Tommy Makinson

The decision on St Helens ‘ appeal of winger Tommy Makinson’s ban has now been confirmed following the Operational Rules Tribunal tonight.

The three-game ban came after his second red card of the season in Saints’ latest defeat – this time to Hull KR.

He was given a Grade D Head Contact charge, with the three games initially ruling him out of games against Huddersfield Giants, Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers.

With a move to Catalans Dragons ahead of 2025 already confirmed, after 14 years with St Helens, the ban meant he wouldn’t play in another home game for the rest of the regular season – and potentially Saints wouldn’t have a home playoff game even if they make it there.

Makinson responded to this himself, saying: “Gutted is an understatement! Hope that isn’t the end of my journey at the TWS. Thanks for all the messages.”

The club, as revealed last night, appealed, perhaps hoping to reduce the ban to just two games, which would make him available for the side’s last home game of the season against Castleford Tigers.

However, many noted that his earlier red card against the Tigers would likely make such an appeal trickier for them.

Appeal decision reached on St Helens star Tommy Makinson

The verdict of the appeal has now been confirmed with Makinson being successful in challenging the grading of the charge, seeing it reduced from a Grade D to a Grade C meaning he will be banned for just two games.

A statement on the RFL website confirmed that.

It read: “The St Helens wing Tommy Makinson was successful in his challenge against the grading of a Grade D head contact charge from Saturday’s defeat by Hull KR. Makinson pleaded guilty but successfully reduced the charge to Grade C, meaning a reduction in the ensuing suspension from three matches to two.”

It means he will be available for the home clash against Castleford Tigers.