St Helens say the RFL “made an error” in Matty Lees appeal

St Helens are fighting with Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards for a spot in the top two and a home semi-final in the Super League play-offs but as they prepare for the games against Hull KR and Castleford Tigers, they suffered a blow rising from their game against Huddersfield Giants.

The Super League and World Champions are already without props Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi to injury and they have lost Matty Lees for two weeks after a two match suspension for a high tackle in the Huddersfield game.

This came at the start of an incident that saw Joe Greenwood red carded but he and Matty English, who was yellow carded in the game for a cannon ball tackle, didn’t receive a ban.

Lees was the only player banned after the fixture and St Helens appealed on Tuesday night. That failed, so they appealed again on Wednesday.

Many questioned why but the Saints said that the RFL had made “an error in law” which was the reason behind their appeal whilst they had also “failed to act fairly in a procedural sense.”

The club made the following statement:

“St Helens have been unsuccessful in appealing against the decision made by the Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday night that Matty Lees should be suspended for two matches and fined £500. The Club’s appeal was rejected, meaning that the punishment will stand.

“Lees was issued a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ charge following the Saints’ victory over Huddersfield Giants on Sunday afternoon by the Match Review Panel on Monday.

“On Tuesday night the Club appeared before the Operational Rules Tribunal to plead ‘Not Guilty’, but the independent tribunal upheld the Match Review Panel’s decision.

“The Club’s then lodged an appeal on Wednesday night which was based on the fact that we believe the Operational Rules Tribunal made an error of law in its decision or failed to act fairly in a procedural sense. This appeal was rejected, meaning Lees’ punishment stands and will rule Saints’ #10 out of the next two Betfred Super League matches; firstly against Hull KR at home and then Castleford Tigers away.

“St.Helens R.F.C. stands by the decision to appeal but accepts the process is now over and we look forward to our upcoming match against Hull KR at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday night.

“Paul Wellens has initially named a 20-man squad for the Round 22 fixture, subject to the Club’s appeal, the Saints can now confirm that completing our squad declaration will be #34 – Wesley Bruines.”