Morgan Knowles and Gil Dudson handed lengthy suspensions as one player has ban overturned

Josh McAllister
Morgan Knowles, SWPix

Picture by John Rushworth/SWpix.com

Forwards Gil Dudson and Morgan Knowles have both been suspended for five matches by independent tribunals.

Warrington forward Dudson, 32, was referred to tribunal by the match review panel on a Grade E charge for punching winger Tom Johnstone during Saturday’s action in Perpignan.

The Wales international was sent off against Catalans, with Daryl Powell’s side managing to claim a 20-14 result with 12 men.

He has been fined £500. 

Loose forward Knowles, 26, was referred to tribunal for dangerous contact on a Grade D charge following St Helens’ Good Friday defeat to Wigan.

Knowles had received a Grade D dangerous contact charge alongside Warrington’s Joe Philbin, who received a two-match suspension.

In Knowles’ case, the match review panel exercised its option of referring a player directly to tribunal in certain circumstances e.g. where a player suffers serious, long-term injury.

Wigan prop forward Mike Cooper will miss the rest of the 2023 Super League season, head coach Matt Peet has confirmed.

The 34-year-old was helped from the field during the side’s 14-6 Good Friday victory following Knowles’ tackle.

England international Knowles has also been fined £500.

Super League player has ban overturned

Meanwhile, Leigh’s Ava Seumanufagai has successfully appealed his one match suspension imposed for late contact with a Salford opponent during Saturday’s clash.

The 31-year-old has seen the incident being downgraded from B to A and the one match suspension cancelled.

He will be free to face Wakefield this Sunday in Super League. Seumanufagai is fined £250.

York forward Danny Kirmond has also accepted a three-match ban after being sent off in York’s 24-22 win over Sheffield in the Challenge Cup.

He was charged with a Grade D strike by the Rugby Football League’s match review panel.

The following players have accepted the imposed penalty notices:

Charlie Abraham, Wakefield Trinity – Dangerous throw, Grade B – £25 fine

John Asiata, Leigh Leopards – Strike, Grade A – 0 matches

James Batchelor, Hull KR – Dangerous contact, Grade C – 1 match penalty notice

Kane Evans, Hull FC – Dangerous contact, Grade B – 1 match

Zak Hardaker, Leigh Leopards – Trip, Grade B – £250 fine

Callum Hazzard, North Wales Crusaders – Disputes decision, Grade A – £40 fine

Danny Kirmond, York Knights – Strike, Grade D – 3 matches

Rhys Kennedy, Hull KR – Dangerous contact, Grade A – 0 matches

Rhys Kennedy, Hull KR– Dangerous contact, Grade A – 0 matches

Frasers MacCauley, London Broncos – Trip, Grade B – £25 fine

Sione Mata’utia, St Helens – Dangerous contact, Grade A – £250 fine

Robbie Mulhern, Leigh Leopards – Dangerous contact, Grade B – £250 fine

Dan Parker, Keighley Cougars – Dangerous contact, Grade B – 1 match

Joe Philbin, Warrington Wolves – Dangerous contact, Grade D – 2 matches and £250 fine

Morgan Smithies, Wigan Warriors – Dangerous contact, Grade B – 1 match

Sauaso Sue, Hull KR – Dangerous throw, Grade C – 2 matches

Mitieli Vulikjapani, Hull FC – Dangerous throw, Grade C – 1 match

Joe Westerman, Castleford Tigers – Trip, Grade B – 1 match

Joe Westerman Castleford Tigers – Dangerous contact – £250 fine

Finley Yates, Salford Red Devils – Disputes decision, Grade B – £25

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