St Helens set to appeal Matty Lees ban

Yesterday the Match Review Panel met to review the action from the Challenge Cup Final between Leigh Leopards and Hull KR as well as the postponed Super League clash between St Helens and Huddersfield Giants.

The Super League meeting was a fiery one with Matty English sin binned and Joe Greenwood sent off for leading with the elbow.

This was an incident Ian Watson questioned after the match suggesting that it was started by St Helens.

The Match Review Panel seemed to agree with Matty Lees punished for the tackle just before.

Four of the five players charged by the panel were from that game. Chris Hull escaped a ban for a high tackle due to the ball carrier dipping, Greenwood was fined for striking and Olly Russell was fined for dangerous contact.

English was cautioned whilst Matty Lees was banned. St Helens have now chosen to appeal the prop’s suspension and there will be an operational rules tribunal tonight to address the case.

Hull KR star Elliot Minchella has accepted his one match ban for the first yellow card at the new Wembley and the first yellow card in a Challenge Cup Final since 2001.

He received a one match ban and will miss the game against St Helens funnily enough.

The Saints are fighting to have Lees available. With Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi out for the season losing Lees for two games would be a devastating blow and place more pressure on young George Delaney.

He recently signed a new deal so there are high expectations around the young man but he needs support.

Following the Betfred Challenge Cup Final and latest Betfred Super League fixture, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Elliott Minchella (Hull KR) – Grade B Other Contrary Behaviour – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade A High Tackle – Not Applicable
Matty Lees (St Helens) – Grade C High Tackle – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Joe Greenwood (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade B Striking – £250 Fine
Olly Russell (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
The following player was handed a caution:

Matty English (Huddersfield Giants) – Dangerous Contact