St Helens set to be without Morgan Knowles for Super League grand final

Morgan Knowles was convicted in the Saints’ 19-12 semi-final win over Salford on Saturday; St Helens has until 11 a.m. Tuesday to agree to the ban or face a hearing later in the day; The defending champions take on Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford on Saturday September 24 live on Sky Sports

St Helens are set to be without loose striker Morgan Knowles for Saturday’s grand final against Leeds, but Jack Welsby is free to play at Old Trafford.

Knowles was sentenced in the Saints’ 19-12 semi-final win over Salford on Saturday after appearing to twist Chris Atkin’s arm behind his back.

The England international has now been given a two-match penalty notice by the Rugby Football League’s Match Review Panel, which ruled it a Grade B dangerous contact foul.

The accusation is a blow to defending champions and outgoing coach Kristian Woolf, who told the post-match press conference he expected no repercussions.

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Highlights of the Betfred Super League semi-final between St Helens and Salford Red Devils

“I would be absolutely flabbergasted if it was a ban,” Woolf said. “I don’t really see what was dangerous in that.”

St Helens have until 11 a.m. Tuesday to accept the ban or face a hearing later today, knowing that a failed appeal could lead to an increased suspension which would impact Knowles’ availability for the Cup. world.

At least Woolf will have the services of Welsby, who is on a three-man shortlist for the Man of Steel award to be announced on Tuesday night.

Welsby was found guilty by the review panel of a Grade A high tackle on Atkin, but avoided a ban due to his previous excellent disciplinary record.

Wigan’s John Bateman faces ban

Meanwhile, Wigan’s second English rower john batman could be banned from the World Cup after being charged with a Grade D offense following his dismissal in Friday’s 20-8 semi-final loss to Leeds.

Bateman was shown a red card for the late high tackle which left Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer very dizzy and was ordered to face a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday night.

A grade D offense usually results in a ban of three to five matches.

Bateman could count England’s warm-up game against Fiji on October 7 as one game, but anything more than a three-match ban would rule him out of the World Cup group stages.

York attacking Danny Kirmond is set to miss Sunday’s Championship semi-final against Leigh after receiving a one-game penalty notice for a dangerous tackle in his side’s 26-24 win at Halifax on Sunday.