St Helens, Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards make appeal decisions after bans

Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and St Helens served up some brilliant Challenge Cup semi-finals over the weekend at the homes of Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves at Headingley Stadium and the Halliwell Jones Stadium in two amazing events.

On Saturday Leigh battled back from 6-0 to claim a 12-10 win over the Super League and World Champions in a great semi-final to book their place at Wembley as they chase a first Challenge Cup since 1971.

For Hull KR, they are pursuing a first Challenge Cup since 1980 after a Brad Schneider drop goal gave them a famous golden point win to book their place at Wembley.

Both games were struck by controversy. Sione Mata’utia was sin binned for a late hit on Ben Reynolds that gave Reynolds the chance to nail the two points which would determine the outcome in the end.

There were also questions raised about John Asiata’s tackle on Agnatius Paasi as well.

As for Wigan and Hull KR, they had Joe Shorrocks sent off in a huge talking point.

There was also a tackle from Bevan French and Abbis Miski that raised questions.

The match review panel have met and given out their charges for this weekend’s semi-final action.

Three players have been banned in the shape of Sione Mata’utia, Edwin Ipape and Joe Shorrocks.

Now the three clubs have made their decisions on whether or not they want to appeal these suspensions and all three have elected to accept these suspensions.

This means Sione Mata’utia will miss the game against Leeds Rhinos on Friday in front of the Sky Sports cameras in a Grand Final rematch and a rematch of two brilliant games this season that were separated by just two points.

Mata’utia will also miss Round 21. Meanwhile Edwin Ipape will miss the Battle of the Borough on Saturday in front of the Channel 4 cameras as they meet Wigan after the two teams come into the game after very different Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Wigan will also be without Joe Shorrocks after he was also suspended.

That doesn’t mean tonight’s Operation Rules Tribunal won’t be heard.

They are addressing former Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity star Rob Butler’s Grade F biting charge.

Keara Bennett, Kaiya Glynn and Millen Downs will also be heard.