A verdict has been reached on Warrington Wolves star and England skipper George Williams and his two match ban at an appeal tonight.
Williams was initially banned for a shoulder charge against St Helens in the Super League play-offs in a game that the Wolves went on to lose.
This meant that Williams would miss the opening test against Tonga at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.
Naturally the England captain wanted to be available for that test so he appealed the decision.
This appeal didn’t happen immediately and took place last week ahead of the Grand Final.
As Bevan French collected his award as Man of Steel, Williams was collecting an extra game’s ban.
This was for a frivolous appeal. This meant that he would be missing the second game against Tonga as well at Huddersfield Giants’ John Smith’s Stadium.
In a last gasp effort to avoid the ban, the suspension was challenged tonight.
However, the ban stands with the RFL making the following statement:
“After Warrington Wolves appealed the decision of the independent Operational Rules Tribunal on October 10, that George Williams should be suspended for two matches – one match for a Grade B shoulder charge in the Betfred Super League Semi Final at St Helens on September 30, and an additional match for a challenge of the grading which was deemed frivolous by the Tribunal – a new three-person On-Field Operational Rules Appeals Tribunal was convened.
“The appeal was rejected, so the punishment stands – meaning Williams is ineligible for the first two Tests of England’s three-match series against Tonga.”
This likely means Mikey Lewis will be given the opportunity to start at stand off unless Shaun Wane elects to play Jack Welsby there and Tommy Makinson at fullback.
Makinson featured at fullback during the World Cup against Greece – a game in which Welsby featured at six as he did for much of the World Cup.
It is believed by some St Helens fans that this is his best position.
