Verdict on Liam Watts appeal revealed

Yesterday, as per usual, the match review panel published their findings from Round 17 of the Betfred Super League with Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers finding themselves in hot water.

Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin was banned for one game after what Phil Clarke described on Sky Sports as a “dangerous drop” meanwhile Liam Watts was given a two match ban for the same offence with both being charged with Grade C dangerous contact.

Two more players were banned for dangerous contact in Romain Navarrete and Warrington Wolves star Sam Kasiano but the Wolves prop did dodge a ban for a shoulder charge on Ash Handley.

He received a yellow card for that offence and the other players awarded a yellow card last week also avoided bans with Wigan’s Ethan Havard fined and Hull KR star Mikey Lewis cautioned for other contrary behaviour against Leigh Leopards.

The other ban was given to Amir Bourouh of Salford Red Devils against Wakefield Trinity for other contrary behaviour.

Of those suspended, four players accepted their punishments but one choice to appeal at tonight’s operational rules tribunal.

Tonight Castleford Tigers star Liam Watts appealed his two match ban for dangerous contact and was successful.

The RFL made the following statement:

“Liam Watts of Castleford Tigers has successfully challenged a Grade C dangerous contact charge arising from last Friday’s Betfred Super League fixture at St Helens.

“The independent Operational Rules Tribunal accepted his not guilty plea.”

He will be available against Leigh Leopards this week.

Interestingly, this comes after Watts claimed he was harshly treated by the match review panel and doesn’t get fined like others in this era where there is a focus on fines over bans because of his prior record.

Well he will be pleased to avoid a 10th ban in 18 months.