The decision on St Helens ‘ appeal of Moses Mbye’s ban for their derby clash this weekend has been made.
The game between Wigan Warriors and St Helens is always huge, and this could turn out to determine the winners of the League Leaders’ Shield, as a Wigan victory could make it hard for the Red Vee to grasp top spot from them from so far behind.
Saints won last time out, but this could be different, as they’re in bad form.
Mbye was given a Grade B Dangerous Contact charge, at the higher end of the grade, for late contact on Tex Hoy in St Helens’ narrow 8-6 shock defeat to Castleford Tigers.
This meant St Helens were facing having to give a first ever Super League start for young hooker Jake Burns, with Daryl Clark also likely out through injury after missing the game against Castleford.
Wigan Warriors players have been handed plenty of charges this week. Mike Cooper and Luke Thompson have both been given Grade B charges – for Head Contact and Dangerous Contact respectively – and handed £250 fines.
However, Brad O’Neill has been given a one match ban for a Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift, which will be a big blow for the Warriors themselves ahead of the game – Wigan decided not to appeal this one.
St Helens ‘ Moses Mbye appeal decision made
Credit: Imago Images
The decision has been reached, and it’s a big one with St Helens confirmed to have been unsuccessful in their appeal, something that the RFL announced earlier tonight.
They shared their verdict: “Moses Mbye will miss St Helens’ Betfred Super League match at Wigan Warriors on Friday, after losing his appeal against a one match suspension for Grade B Dangerous contact with a Castleford Tigers opponent last Friday.”
Paul Wellens’ side will now have to adjust their preparations accordingly ahead of one of Super League’s biggest games with the club likely to be lacking their two main hookers in Mbye, through suspension, and Daryl Clark, through injury.
Of course, Clark could pass fit for the game on Friday night but risking further injury would be a major roll of the dice for Paul Wellens but with pressure mounting and only Jake Burns as a recognised hooker, it’s something he may resort to.
