St Helens to appeal Matty Lees suspension again

St Helens are battling with Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards for a spot in the top two and a home semi-final but after their win over Huddersfield Giants last weekend they were dealt a major blow ahead of their games against Hull KR and Castleford Tigers.

Saints have already lost props Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi and have now lost Matty Lees to a two match ban for a high tackle.

Last night they appealed the decision and failed but the club have now confirmed that they will again be appealing the decision.

They stated:

“Prop forward Matty Lees received a two-match penalty notice for a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ charge from the Match Review Panel, this decision was upheld by the Operational Rules Tribunal. However, the Club will be appealing the decision on Tuesday night, following the result of which the Saints’ 21st man in the squad shall be named.”

This means they have right now only named a 20 man squad for Friday’s game against Hull KR.

Last night the Saints released this statement:

“St Helens prop Matty Lees has been unsuccessful in his appeal against a two-match penalty notice for a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ charge in the Saints’ win over Huddersfield Giants last Sunday.
Lees pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ to the Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday night, but the independent tribunal upheld the Match Review Panel’s decision and he has also been fined £500.

“This means Lees will miss this Friday’s home clash with Hull KR, and next week’s visit to Castleford.”

The following players have accepted penalty notices imposed by the Match Review Panel.

Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants) – High Tackle – Grade – N/A
Joe Greenwood (Huddersfield Giants) – Striking – Grade B – £250 fine
Oliver Russell (Huddersfield Giants) – Dangerous Contact – Grade B – £250 fine
Michael Knowles (Hunslet) – Dangerous Contact – Grade C – 1 match
Lewis Hall (Swinton Lions) – Dangerous Contact – Grade C – 1 match
Lewis Young (Keighley Cougars) – High Tackle – Grade C – 1 match
Kieran Taylor (North Wales Crusaders) – Dangerous Contact – Grade C – 1 match
Ellis Robson (Keighley Cougars) – Dangerous Contact – Grade B – £125 fine
Connor Carr (Oldham) – Dangerous Throw – Grade B – £40 fine
Joey Leilua (Featherstone Rovers) – Strike – Grade A – NFA