What St Helens have said about Knowles ban as they hint at appeal decision

Unfortunately for one of Super League’s best players, he has found himself charged by the match review panel after his first game back from a length suspension.

The player in question is St Helens star Morgan Knowles who is among the seven players charged by the match review panel.

It is unsurprising to see Knowles among the seven after his late red card against Halifax Panthers.

He tackled Thomas Inman high in the 79th minute of the cup tie and was shown a red card.

Making matters worse, this was his first game back from a five game suspension after a hip drop tackle on Mike Cooper in the derby between St Helens and Wigan Warriors on Good Friday.

The RFL’s minutes explain why Knowles received a two match ban.

They reveal that there was, in their opinion, a clear intention to make a tackle.

The minutes state:

“Law 15.1 (b)

“High tackle – Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome.

“Grade C.”

Thus Knowles received a two game ban.

St Helens have also made a statement on the ban which suggests that there will be no appeal as they concede the loose forward will miss the Grand Final rematch against Leeds Rhinos as well as the Magic Weekend clash with Huddersfield Giants.

Saints said:

“Following St Helens’ victory over Halifax Panthers in the Sixth Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup, Morgan Knowles has been issued with a two-match penalty notice.

“The Saints’ loose-forward was charged with a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ offence which occurred in the 80th minute by The RFL’s Match Review Panel, who gave the sanction of a two-match penalty notice.

“As a result of the suspension, Knowles will be unavailable for Saints matches away at Leeds Rhinos this Friday, and the Magic Weekend clash with Huddersfield Giants a week on Sunday.”

Meanwhile, Hull KR star Rhyse Kennedy is also banned for dangerous contact and the same can be said of Josh Drinkwater of Warrington Wolves who only receives a one match ban despite a Grade C offence.

Jorge Taufua of Wakefield Trinity is the only player who was charged but not punished.

Meanwhile, Marc Sneyd of Salford Red Devils, Josh McGuire of Warrington Wolves and Josh Griffin are all fined £250 in yet another example of the RFL’s focus on fines over bans in 2023.