Wigan Warriors and St Helens face hook selection problems after suspension strikes

Both Wigan Warriors and St Helens have lost key men ahead of Friday’s derby clash. Brad O’Neill and Moses Mbye were both suspended by the match review committee and will miss the second clash of the season between the two sides.

England international O’Neill, arguably the standout prostitute of the Super League season, was charged with a dangerous tackle in Wigan’s win over Leigh Leopards. Meanwhile, Mbye was cited for dangerous contact in the defeat to Castleford Tigers.

Both players received one-match suspensions and will therefore miss Friday’s game, subject to appeal. It’s a bitter blow for both teams, with O’Neill a standout performer for the Warriors, who are also currently without fellow forwards Kruise Leeming and Tom Forber through injury. But the same could be true of St Helens. Daryl Clark missed Friday’s defeat with a muscle injury and now Mbye, who started at the harlot against Castleford, is now unavailable.

Click here – Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel

The only other suspension went to James Harrison, the Warrington Wolves forward who looks set to miss Thursday’s game against Leeds Rhinos after a dangerous contact charge saw him handed a one-match ban. Five players received fines. They are Wigan Warriors duo Mike Cooper and Luke Thompson, Leigh Leopards forward pair Robbie Mulhern and John Asiata, and Hull FC’s Yusuf Aydin.

Suspensions and fines in Super League

• Mike Cooper (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Head Contact – £250 fine
• Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards) – Dangerous contact grade B – £250 fine
• Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors) – Dangerous contact grade B – £250 fine
• Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift – 1 Match Penalty Note
• John Asiata (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Head Contact – Fined £250
• James Harrison (Warrington Wolves) – Dangerous Contact Grade B – 1 Match Penalty Note
• Yusuf Aydin (Hull FC) – Dangerous contact grade B – £250 fine
• Moses Mbye (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Note

CONTINUE READING