St Helens forward Sione Mata’utia free to face Huddersfield Giants as ban overturned

Sione Mata’utia is now free to play in Friday’s Super League top of the table clash with Huddersfield Giants at the Totally Wicked Stadium after the club successfully appealed against a one-match ban imposed by the powers-that-be on Monday.

The RL reviewed an incident which occurred half an hour into the derby between St Helens and Wigan Warriors at Newcastle on Saturday when Mata’utia caught Jai Field late after a pass which led to Bevan French’s first Wigan try.

Saints challenged the original Grade A one-match penalty notice and as a result the rules tribunal have since downgraded the charge to a ‘caution.’

Saints’ skipper James Roby was also charged with a Grade A high tackle on Liam Farrell which occurred in the 23rd minute, but received a zero match penalty notice so he will be free to play against the Giants in what could be a key match in the race for the title.

Wigan’s Brad Singleton also saw red after a second-half shot on Curtis Sironen and subsequently suffered a three-match ban for a Grade C reckless high tackle.