Wardle banned for two games

Huddersfield Giants centre Joe Wardle has picked up a two match ban after submitted an early guilty plea following his sending off in the Challenge Cup fifth round tie against Leeds Rhinos.

Referee Phil Bentham sent Wardle off in the 61st minute and he was charged with the Grade C offence of sustained punching which could carry a two or three match suspension if upheld.

It is the first red card of Wardle’s career which enabled him to place the early plea and avoid the trip to the RFL disciplinary hearing and a potential longer sentence.

Wardle’s fellow centre Leroy Cudjoe has been cleared to make his 50th consecutive appearance for Huddersfield on Friday at Widnes Vikings after avoiding suspension. Cudjoe was able to submit an early-guilty plea and avoid the ban for the grade A offence of punching in the fifth round Challenge Cup tie against Leeds.