Leeds Rhinos will be without James McDonnell for the next two weeks after the forward picked up a ban from the Match Review Panel for his punch on St Helens' Jonny Lomax.
The former Wigan Warriors ace was sent off late in the contest at Headingley Stadium, and although he pleaded his innocence after being shown a red card by Liam Moore, the Match Review Panel have found him guilty and adding to Rohan Smith's selection issues.
Harry Newman, Aidan Sezer and Morgan Gannon all picked up injuries in the heartbreaking Golden Point defeat to St Helens. On top of that, Blake Austin, Sam Lisone and David Fusitu'a are already in the treatment room, so McDonnell's ban has come at the worst possible time for Rohan Smith.
Read More: Leeds Rhinos in talks with NRL ever-present forward with recruitment heating up
Prop forward Sam Walters was also withdrawn for a HIA check on Friday night but passed the protocols and returned to the fold. The Rhinos face West Yorkshire rivals Castleford Tigers on Saturday evening, a contest that will bring the curtain down on the first day of Magic Weekend at St James' Park in Newcastle.
- James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade D Punching – 2 Match Penalty Notice & £250 Fine
- Sione Mata’utia (St Helens) – Grade A Dangerous Contact - £250 Fine
- Nene McDonald (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour – Not Applicable
- Sauaso Sue (Hull KR) - Grade A Raising Knee in Tackle - £250 Fine
- King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle - £250 Fine
Read next
- David Fifita en route to "save" Wakefield Trinity as brother confirms return
- St Helens player ratings as Golden Point win doesn't overshadow performance
Every reported Super League transfer as recruitment heats up
- Paul Wellens hails gritty win as St Helens pile heartbreak on Leeds Rhinos
- Adrian Lam won’t let Leigh get ahead of themselves after beating Warrington
