Morgan Knowles of St Helens to play in Finals after winning second appeal against suspension | News about rugby league

St Helens’ Morgan Knowles initially lost the two-match suspension, but won a second appeal; The defending champions will face Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford on Saturday, September 24 live on Sky Sports

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Morgan Knowles will play in Saturday’s Finals after winning a second appeal against a suspension for the mishandling action.

St Helens’ Morgan Knowles will play in Saturday’s Final after the club won a second appeal against the two-match suspension he received following their semi-final.

Knowles was found guilty in the Saints’ 19-12 semi-final win over Salford for breaking Chris Atkin’s arm, and his conduct was deemed Class B Hazardous Contact with an opponent.

On Tuesday, an independent court upheld the Match Review Board’s decision and also imposed a £500 fine.

But the RFL said on Wednesday: “After an independent court on Tuesday rejected his first appeal, St Helens issued a second appeal claiming that the court’s conclusion was ‘unreasonable’ ‘ based on the evidence presented.

“The referees tonight accepted that although there is some twisting to put pressure on the opposing player’s leg, this does not exceed the normal range of motion and is therefore unlikely to cause ‘unacceptable risk of injury’.”

The result is a natural boost for the defending champions as they seek an unprecedented fourth consecutive Finals win.

It will also be welcomed by England manager Shaun Wane, who looks certain to include the former Wales international in his 24-man squad for the World Cup.