Castleford prop Liam Watts suspension is doubled on appeal

The front rower has been banned for two games following tonight’s (Tuesday 11 May) independent Operational Rules Tribunal.

He was initially suspended for one game by the RFL Match Review Panel, having in their view made Grade B ‘Dangerous Contact’ with Salford’s Elijah Taylor in the 74th minute of last Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup tie.

Watts entered a guilty plea, but challenged the grading.

The tribunal found the grading to be correct and considered Watts’ tribunal challenge to be 'frivolous' and therefore doubled the suspension and fined him £500.

So as well as missing Castleford's home clash with Hull KR next Monday, Watts will also sit out Tigers' trip to face The Wire at The Halliwell Jones Stadium five days later.

Meanwhile, Catalans Dragons’ Gil Dudson is banned for one game following his appeal against the Match Review Panel’s verdict of Grade B ‘Dangerous Contact’ with an opponent during last Friday’s Betfred Challenge Cup tie against Warrington Wolves.

Dudson challenged the grading, but the tribunal upheld the panel’s decision. His appeal was not considered to be 'frivolous'. Dudson is also fined £500.

The following players had earlier accepted penalty notices imposed by the RFL’s match Review Panel on Monday:

Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), High Tackle (Grade A) – 0 games

Jack Hughes (Warrington Wolves), Dangerous Contact (Grade B) – 1 game

Levy Nzoungou (Bradford Bulls), Dangerous Contact (Grade C) – 3 games