The Super League disciplinary process has been underway tonight with Wigan Warriors’ centre Adam Keighran in front of the Operational Rules Tribunal.
Keighran had been handed a one-game ban for a Grade B charge which Wigan Warriors appealed and it’s now been confirmed that the club have been successful in that appeal.
A brief statement on the RFL’s website confirmed the club’s success meaning that Adam Keighran will now be available to feature for Wigan Warriors against Hull FC on Saturday.
The RFL confirmed: “Adam Keighran of Wigan Warriors has successfully challenged a Grade B dangerous throw / lift charge imposed after last Friday’s Betfred Super League fixture against St Helens. The Independent Operational Rules Tribunal found him not guilty.”
Earlier today, Wigan Warriors confirmed that they would be appealing the ban handed down to Keighran, something that they did not do when the Australian was banned ahead of the Challenge Cup Final back in June.
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Wigan Warriors man cleared of “Dangerous Throw”
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Back in June, Keighran missed the Challenge Cup Final alongside forward Tyler Dupree with both men being handed three-game bans for their misdemeanours against Warrington Wolves in Super League.
It was a huge blow with their first-choice centre and one of their top forwards left unavailable for Wembley, however, Matt Peet’s side came through.
With Hull FC on the horizon this week and lined up as their opponents for Saturday, Wigan Warriors made the surprise decision to appeal against the ban given that they’re currently 24 points better off than their opponents.
Fortunately for Matt Peet and Co, it was the right choice with Keighran’s ban overturned meaning that he is available for that fixture and Wigan’s makeshift backline can remain untouched.
With overseas speedsters Bevan French and Jai Field both injured currently, Wigan opted to move centre Zach Eckersley to full-back when many had suggested that Adam Keighran would actually be the man to move and be deployed in the halves.
Instead, young Jack Farrimond retained his spot in the halves alongside Harry Smith whilst Liam Farrell featured at hooker in a split role with Farrimond.
It was a genius workaround from Peet as Wigan saw off their rivals St Helens 16-12 and now look set to go again in a similar fashion after tonight’s successful appeal.
Keighran had been one of four players banned among a list of nine charged, with Wigan’s Ethan Havard also handed a Grade B charge but only fined.
Round 17 Super League Disciplinary Results
Andre Savelio (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade D Head Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice and a £250 Fine
Sam Hewitt (Huddersfield Giants) – Grade D Punching – 2 Match Penalty Notice and a £250 Fine
Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice (Higher End)
Chris Hankinson (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B Head Contact – £250 Fine
Bayley Sironen (Catalans Dragons) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Rob Butler (London Broncos) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Denive Balmforth (Hull FC) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Head Contact – £250 Fine
Adam Keighran (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift – 1 Match Penalty Notice (Higher End) – Overturned
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