Huge blow for Leeds Rhinos as key pair suspended: why stars can play in semi-final but face Wembley ban
Leeds Rhinos have until next week to decide whether to appeal against bans which could cost two players an historic Wembley appearance.
Prop Kaiya Glynn and England hooker Keara Bennett both received a two-match penalty notice after being charged by the RFL’s match review panel with a grade D dangerous throw in last Sunday’s 12-12 Super League draw at York Valkyrie.
Bennett was sin-binned following the alleged tip tackle on York’s England full-back Tara Jane Stanley.
Women’s Betfred Super League fixtures are studied by the review panel on Thursdays and bans take effect a week later, to give players the opportunity to appeal.
That means Bennett and Glynn are eligible for Sunday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan Warriors at Headingley.
But if Rhinos win that, they will miss the home Super League clash with Huddersfield Giants on Sunday, August 6 and the Challenge Cup final six days later.
This year’s showpiece will be the first time a women’s final has been played at Wembley.
Defeat against Wigan would rule the pair out of the Huddersfield game and a home clash with Warrington Wolves on Sunday, August 20.
Rhinos are likely to wait until after the semi-final before deciding whether to appeal. If they do challenge the bans, a hearing will be held next Tuesday.