Two Super League sides to appeal bans

It has been confirmed that two Super League sides will appear at an RFL Operational Rules Tribunal this evening to appeal bans handed out following Round 23.

Seven players were charged including three players who were banned after the most recent round of Super League action and now the RFL have confirmed to Serious About Rugby League that both St Helens and Leigh Leopards will appeal.

It had been reported last night by The St Helens Star that the Red Vee would appeal Tommy Makinon’s controversial three-game ban, something that has now been confirmed by the RFL.

The sport’s governing body have also confirmed that Leigh Leopards will contest the one-game ban handed to captain John Asiata for ‘Dangerous Contact’.

It means that Hull KR have accepted the one-game ban handed to Jame Batchelor meaning the second-rower will miss the Robins’ home game against Salford Red Devils with both teams coming off huge wins.

Super League pair set for appeal

It’s not a major surprise that St Helens have appealed the ban handed to Tommy Makinson given what is at stake. The winger was set to miss three of the remaining four matches with the club teetering on the edge of the playoffs after losing seven of their last nine.

As well as the team’s playoff ambitions hanging in the balance, the three-match ban means that Makinson could have played his last home game as a St Helens player unless the club finish fourth in Super League.

Finishing fourth looks unlikely meaning that the 14-season St Helens veteran will have ended his home career in a 42-6 loss culminating in his sending off unless the club are successful in either overturning or reducing the appeal.

As for Leigh Leopards, they will appeal John Asiata’s ‘Dangerous Contact’ charge in the hope of ensuring their skipper is available for their clash with Warrington Wolves on Friday night.

Leigh have won seven of their last eight games to surge within one point of the playoffs but facing third-place Warrington will likely need all the help they can get. Winger Josh Charnley is expected to return for that game as well.

The outcome of both appeals will be revealed later this evening after the Operational Rules Tribunal hears each case.