Whitehead handed five game ban

Bradford forward Elliott Whitehead has been suspended for five games after being found guilty of biting Hull KR’s Jordon Cox.

Sunday’s match between Bradford and Hull KR was halted briefly after Rovers complained to referee James Child of an allegation of biting against Whitehead. The incident was placed on report for the RFL disciplinary panel to view.

The suspension will mean Whitehead becomes the Super League second player to miss the start of next season through suspension, after Harlequins centre David Howell was handed a six game ban for the same offense against Catalan earlier this month.

Whitehead was also given a £300 fine, despite having an exemplary disciplinary record prior to this incident.

Kirk Yeaman will miss his side’s visit to Crusaders after being handed a one match ban for throwing a punch in Hull FC’s victory over Catalan.

Yeaman was suspended earlier this year for a similar offense.