Why St Helens star Morgan Knowles received a ban after defeat to Samoa

Morgan Knowles has been involved in a controversy around a ban after a semi-final in 2022.

The St Helens star was set to miss the Grand Final after twisting Chris Atkin’s arm in the semi-final against Salford Red Devils.

However, two appeals saw Knowles allowed to play in the Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos.

Once again, Knowles has received a ban following a semi-final however this time there is no worry over whether an appeal can get the decision to be over turned due to the fact England were beaten in Golden Point extra time against Samoa with Stephen Crichton nailing the decisive drop goal.

However, there may have been some concern over whether Knowles would be able to play in the World Club Challenge against Penrith Panthers at the start of 2023.

He should due to the fact Saints will play at least one friendly prior to that game with Paul Wellens side set to take on St George Illawarra Dragons the week before.

But why did Knowles receive a ban?

Well it was due to dangerous contact an applying “unnecessary pressure” to an opponent according to the minutes from the match review panel.

Here is what they said: “Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game (includes Dangerous Contact)

“Defending player, in or after effecting a tackle, uses any part of their body forcefully to bend
or apply unnecessary pressure to the head and/or neck and/or spinal column of the tackled
player so as to keep the tackled player at a disadvantage in or after the tackle.”