Elliot Minchella appeal takes twist with key change made
Hull Kingston Rovers have requested a deferred hearing for their appeal against the banning of captain Elliot Minchella for two matches, starting with Friday night's match against Leeds Rhinos, for availability of a defence team they want.
Minchella has been given a punishment for a high shot on Matt Moylan in Friday night's 24-0 win away against Leigh Leopards, which led to him being sin-binned, deemed Grade C contact. Rovers, risking a potentially frivolous appeal, have decided to contest the grading of the ban but not the guilty plea.
The hearing had originally been planned to take place on Tuesday evening, ahead of Friday night's game with Rovers' final league position uncertain - with them currently being mathematically able to finish first, second or third. A top-two finish would earn a home semi-final whereas third place would lead to an extra eliminator game before those semi-finals.
READ MORE:RFL ask Salford Red Devils for answers after making mass squad changes
READ MORE:Hull KR coach Willie Peters responds to questions about Salford squad strength
After the game at Leigh, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters had commented: "I need to have another look at it but it's another one of those where players are going up and they are coming down, it's very difficult to get your tackle right. I don't think there was any intent there. It's one of those where we will just have to wait until Monday. But hopefully they see it for what it is. I don't think he intentionally went out to swing an arm and take Matty Moylan's head off, that's for sure. It was accidental."
Opposition coach Adrian Lam was asked about the incident too and said: "I don't think those incidents are sin-bins but the way that we've been this year it's the way that that is. There's another time to talk about that sort of thing."
Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel