Hull KR hit with major blow as Shaun Kenny-Dowall learns punishment

Josh McAllister
Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Hull KR. News Images

Shaun Kenny-Dowall completes his first-ever Hull KR hat-trick. Photo by James Heaton/News Images.

Hull KR have been hit with a major blow as captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall has received a lengthy suspension for a Grade E charge of making unnecessary contact.

The 35-year-old centre received the charge following Friday night’s defeat to Leigh in Super League.

The Australian was cited for a Grade E unnecessary contact with player who is or maybe injured.

He pleaded guilty to the charge at Tuesday evening’s tribunal. He has been suspended for four matches.

An official statement read: “Hull KR’s Shaun Kenny-Dowall will miss the next four Rovers matches after admitting a Grade E charge of making unnecessary contact with an injured opponent during last Friday’s Super League game against Leigh Leopards.

“The Rovers skipper pleaded guilty, but his exceptional disciplinary record meant that the sanction was set at the lower end of the four-six match penalty band. Kenny-Dowall is also fined £750 fine.”

Kenny-Dowall will miss games against Warrington, Catalans, Wakefield and Leeds.

Shaun Kenny-Dowall one of five Super League players to be banned

Kenny-Dowall is one of five Super League players to receive a ban following Round Three.

St Helens’ Sione Mata’utia received a Grade C dangerous contact charge. The 26-year-old copped a two-match ban, ruling him out of their games against Leigh and Hull.

Fellow back-rower Curtis Sironen will also miss the trip to Leigh this Friday after he was banned for one-match for dangerous contact.

Konrad Hurrell was shown a straight red card in the dying stages of the game for a high tackle on Richie Myler.

That helped the Rhinos get up field to set up Blake Austin’s match-winning drop goal.

Hurrell has also received a two-match ban.

The fifth ban was handed to Leigh half-back Ben Reynolds. He received a two-match ban for a Grade D dangerous contact in their 30-25 win at Hull KR. It could see Joe Mellor return to action in the halves if he passes a fitness test later this week.

WATCH: The incident that Shaun Kenny-Dowall had been banned for