Wigan Warriors and St Helens face hooker selection issues after suspension blows

Both Wigan Warriors and St Helens have lost key men ahead of Friday's derby showdown. Brad O'Neill and Moses Mbye have both been suspended by the match review panel and will miss out on the second clash of the season between the two teams.

England international O'Neill, arguably Super League's standout hooker of the season, has been charged for a dangerous throw in Wigan's victory over Leigh Leopards. Meanwhile, Mbye has been cited for dangerous contact in their defeat to Castleford Tigers.

Both players have received one-match suspensions and will therefore miss Friday's game, subject to appeal. It's a bitter blow for both teams, with O'Neill a standout performer for the Warriors, who are also currently without fellow hookers Kruise Leeming and Tom Forber through injury. But the same could apply to St Helens. Daryl Clark missed Friday's defeat with a muscle injury and now Mbye, who started at hooker against Castleford, is now also unavailable.

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The only other suspension has gone to James Harrison, the Warrington Wolves forward who looks set to miss their game with Leeds Rhinos on Thursday due to a dangerous contact charge, which has seen him receive a one-match ban. Five players have received fines. They are the Wigan Warriors duo of Mike Cooper and Luke Thompson, Leigh Leopards' forward pairing of Robbie Mulhern and John Asiata, as well as Hull FC's Yusuf Aydin.

Super League suspensions and fines

• Mike Cooper (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Head Contact - £250 Fine

• Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Dangerous Contact - £250 Fine

• Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Contact - £250 Fine

• Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Dangerous Throw/Lift – 1 Match Penalty Notice

• John Asiata (Leigh Leopards) – Grade B Head Contact - £250 Fine

• James Harrison (Warrington Wolves) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

• Yusuf Aydin (Hull FC) – Grade B Dangerous Contact - £250 Fine

• Moses Mbye (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice