SAINTS loose forward Morgan Knowles has been referred directly to the Operational Rules Tribunal by the Match Review Panel following a challenge that resulted in Wigan prop Mike Cooper suffering an injury.
There was no penalty given on the afternoon for the challenge – classed as Grade D dangerous contact Knowles – the incident has been looked at by the MRP.
Although Warrington’s Joe Philbin has also picked up a Grade D Dangerous Contact charge from the game in Catalans and issued with a two-match penalty notice, the possible long-term injury sustained by Wigan’s Cooper means the MRP is exercising its option of referring a player directly to tribunal as part of the Operational Rules Section 3.4.
On the Knowles charge the MRP state: "Dangerous Contact - Defender uses any part of their body forcefully to twist, bend or otherwise apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player. Grade D."
Cooper was helped off the field with clear signs of a knee injury.
It means that if found guilty Knowles could be hit with a ban that goes beyond the standard Grade D tariff, which is 2-3 matches.
With a tough run of games against Hull KR, Warrington and Catalans coming up this could be a huge loss if he is found guilty.
RFL MRP Disciplinary Charges.
John Asiata - Leigh Leopards - Strikes - A - Not applicable.
James Batchelor - Hull KR - Dangerous Contact - C - 1 Match Penalty Notice.
Gill Dudson - Warrington Wolves - Punching - E - Refer to Tribunal.
Kane Evans - Hull FC - Dangerous Contact - B - 1 Match Penalty Notice.
Zak Hardaker - Leigh Leopards - Trips - B - £250 Fine.
Rhys Kennedy - Hull KR - Dangerous Contact - A - Not applicable.
Rhys Kennedy - Hull KR - Dangerous Contact - A - Not applicable.
Morgan Knowles - St Helens - Dangerous Contact - D - Refer to Tribunal.
Sione Matautia - St Helens - Dangerous Contact - A - £250 Fine.
Robbie Mulhern - Leigh Leopards - Dangerous Contact - B - £250 Fine.
Joe Philbin - Warrington Wolves - Dangerous Contact - D - 2 Match Penalty. Notice and £250 Fine.
Ava Seumanufagai - Leigh Leopards - Dangerous Contact - B - 1 Match Penalty Notice.
Morgan Smithies - Wigan Warriors - Dangerous Contact - B - 1 Match Penalty Notice.
Sauaso Sue - Hull KR - Dangerous Throw - C - 2 Match Penalty Notice.
Mitieli Vulikjapani - Hull FC - Dangerous Throw - C - 1 Match Penalty Notice.
Joe Westerman - Castleford Tigers - Trips - B - 1 Match Penalty Notice.
Joe Westerman - Castleford Tigers - Dangerous Contact - A - £250 Fine.
Cautions.
Matty Costello - Salford Red Devils - Other Contrary Behaviour - N/A - N/A.
Tyler Dupree - Salford Red Devils - Other Contrary Behaviour - N/A - N/A.
Bevan French - Wigan Warriors - Other Contrary Behaviour - N/A - N/A.
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