Wigan Warriors: RFL bans striker, leaving Matt Peet short for Challenge Cup semi-final

Wigan Warriors play Hull KR in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup on Saturday but have been dealt a huge blow by the Match Review Panel ahead of this clash in continuing Super League disciplinary controversies.

The Warriors beat Huddersfield Giants by 48 points to 6 in Round 11 of the Super League and should have gone into the semi-final with high spirits.

Liam Marshall had a hat-trick, while Bevan French and Abbas Miski scored twice.

However, they had to face a potential storm when they were reduced to twelve men after the first tackle of the match.

They have become the latest team to be embroiled in disciplinary drama this season.

The Wigan Warriors man has been suspended

Credit: Imago Images

After only ten seconds of play, Liam Byrne’s tackle was penalised.

The officiating team, Aaron Moore and Jack Smith, deemed it worthy of a yellow card at the time, leaving Wigan short-handed right near the start of the game.

However, it was not seen to affect the side too much.

After the game, head coach Matt Peet said he expected Byrne to be available for this weekend’s Challenge Cup match.

However, Byrne was given a grade C head contact charge and, as he is at the higher end of the sanctioning scale due to his suspension earlier this season, will miss the next two games, including a game that could secure . their place in the final at Wembley.

Elsewhere, Saints winger Tommy Makinson, who was sent off against Castleford Tigers, was also handed a Grade C Head Contact charge, but as it is his first such offense this season, he will only miss one game.

In addition, Liam Horne, sent off in the same game for Castleford Tigers, will miss a match due to a grade C dangerous throw/lift charge.