Wigan Warriors Face Challenge Cup Setback as Liam Byrne Banned for Two Games
On Saturday, Wigan Warriors are set to face off against Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi-final, but they have been dealt a significant blow by the Match Review Panel ahead of the crucial clash. This latest development comes amidst a season filled with disciplinary controversies in the Super League.
Wigan Warriors recently secured a dominant 48-6 victory over Huddersfield Giants in Round Eleven, and they were poised to enter the semi-final clash in high spirits. Liam Marshall recorded a hat-trick, while Bevan French and Abbas Miski each scored two tries. However, the Warriors had to weather an early storm when they were reduced to 12 players after just the first tackle of the match.
Wigan’s Liam Byrne was penalized for his tackle after just 10 seconds of play, with referees Aaron Moore and Jack Smith deeming it worthy of a yellow card, leaving the Warriors shorthanded from the start. Surprisingly, this did not seem to significantly impact their performance on the day.
Following the match, head coach Matt Peet expressed his expectation that Byrne would be available for the upcoming Challenge Cup fixture. However, the Match Review Panel has now handed Byrne a Grade C Head Contact charge. Due to his previous ban earlier in the season, he will be unavailable for Wigan’s next two fixtures, including a crucial game that could secure their place in the Wembley final.
Elsewhere, St Helens winger Tommy Makinson, who was sent off against Castleford Tigers, also received a Grade C Head Contact charge. As this is his first such offense this season, he will miss only one game. Additionally, Castleford Tigers’ Liam Horne, who was sent off in the same match, will serve a one-game ban due to a Grade C Dangerous Throw/Lift charge.
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