Dylan Napa receives heavy ban following tribunal hearing

Josh McAllister
Dylan Napa

Catalans Dragons forward Dylan Napa has received a five-match ban following his tribunal hearing. 

The 29-year-old received a Grade D charge of striking in Saturday’s victory over St Helens in Super League. He was shown a yellow card in Perpignan for a challenge on Ben Davies.

The Rugby Football League said: “Dylan Napa of the Catalans Dragons has been found guilty at tonight’s meeting of the independent Operational Rules Tribunal of a Grade D charge of striking in Saturday’s Betfred Super League match against St Helens. He has been suspended for five matches.”

It will mean the former NRL forward will have missed nine matches through suspension in his debut season with the Dragons. He received a four-game ban in the opening game of the season at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Team-mates Michael McIlorum and Sam Kasiano also received bans following the 20-18 win. England international McIlorum received a three-game ban, while forward Kasiano will miss this weekend with a one-match suspension.

Matty Lees free to face Wigan following successful ban appeal

St Helens forward Matty Lees has been cleared to play against Wigan at Magic Weekend after the club successfully appealed his one-match ban.

The 24-year-old has received the suspension with a Grade A High Tackle charge in the club’s defeat to Catalans.

St Helens challenged the ruling and the Operational Rules Tribunal have since found Matty Lees not guilty meaning no charge stands.

He will therefore be free to feature at Newcastle’s St James’ Park this weekend against Wigan Warriors. The clash will be the second game at this weekend’s event, kicking off at 4:45pm. Wakefield and Toulouse kick-off the action on Saturday with a 2:30pm start.

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