Hull KR lose second appeal against captain Elliot Minchella's semi-final ban

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Hull Kingston Rovers have been unsuccessful with a second appeal against the banning of captain Elliot Minchella for next weekend's home play-off semi-final, with the decision upheld again.

Rovers are understood to have introduced new evidence into the second appeal, rather than basing arguments around the same evidence as the first unsuccessful attempt. A new independent operational rules appeals tribunal was convened on Friday, with the verdict confirmed at 5.25pm. The risk of a frivolous appeal for Rovers was not there because they have already appealed once, and it was not deemed so - so the only issue for Rovers challenging it again was the associated costs. From a sporting perspective though, it was effectively a free hit without repercussions.

Rovers decided to launch a second appeal after a verdict had been given on Tuesday that his ban would be upheld. The club's hope was that they could potentially change the verdict in the way that St Helens did when they succeeded with a second appeal to free Morgan Knowles to play in the 2022 Grand Final, won against Leeds Rhinos.

READ MORE:Hull KR star Mikey Lewis explains why this semi-final can be different to past

READ MORE:Hull KR launch second Elliot Minchella appeal with date set for latest hearing

The initial decision of a two-game ban was handed out on September 16, after Minchella's high shot on Leigh Leopards' Matt Moylan on September 13, which was Rovers' penultimate game of the regular Super League season. Minchella's ban then meant he missed out on the crucial final game for Rovers in their regular Super League season, when they defeated Leeds Rhinos 26-16 to secure their next game, the home play-off semi-final. Minchella's action was deemed Grade C contact and Rovers have been challenging the grading.

Rovers' play-off semi-final opponent will be known on Saturday night. If Warrington Wolves defeat St Helens on Saturday evening then Rovers will host Warrington in the semis. If Warrington lose, then Rovers will instead host their semi-final against the winner of tonight's eliminator game in which Salford Red Devils host Leigh Leopards.

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