St Helens delivered play-off boost after Matty Lees suspension verdict

St Helens and England forward Matty Lees.

Matty Lees has been cleared to play for St Helens in their crucial clash against Castleford Tigers. The England prop had been suspended by the Match Review Panel as a result of contact with a match official.

The incident happened in the opening minutes of the game, when running in to protest a tackle on a team-mate. That had seen him issued with a Grade B charge, carrying a one-match ban.

However, Saints decided to appeal the suspension and while they didn't appeal the guilty charge, they did appeal the grading. That appeal has proven successful, which has seen the suspension lifted, though Lees has still been fined £250.

But it means he is free to play against Castleford on Friday night, a crucial development for Paul Wellens and his side as they look to retain the play-off spot they currently hold via a superior points difference to Leeds Rhinos.

Saints have never missed out on the play-offs during the Super League era but have found themselves sixth and needing to win their final two games to guarantee their place in the finals.

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