Hull KR confirm Elliot Minchella appeal stance in potentially season-defining call

Hull KR have confirmed they will appeal the suspension handed to captain Elliot Minchella. As first revealed by Rugby League Live, the Robins star has received a two-match suspension for the tackle that saw him sin-binned in Rovers' victory over Leigh Leopards on Friday.

Minchella has been charged for Grade C head contact, with the loose forward receiving two matches as a result. But Rovers, risking a potentially frivolous appeal that would see him miss the Grand Final, have opted to appeal in an attempt to clear Minchella.

Crucially, Rovers have confirmed they are appealing the grade of the charge, rather than the guilty please. In essence, they will argue at a tribunal on Tuesday that the grading should be downgraded which, if successful, would see his suspension reduced to one match.

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As it stands, Minchella will be unavailable for the final league match against Leeds Rhinos as well as their first play-off match. However, if they can successfully reduce the grading, Minchella will have a match taken off the ban and be free to play in the play-offs. The hearing will be heard on Tuesday evening.

The outcome of that hearing could have huge repercussions on Rovers' play-off prospects, with Minchella's importance undeniable.

Only one other player, Catalans Dragons' Arthur Romano, has been suspended, with the centre receiving a one-match ban for head contacted, but a grade lower at 'B'. That is the grading Rovers are hoping to get Minchella's charge to tomorrow.

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