Hunslet prop handed long ban after red card against Leeds Rhinos

Hunslet were leading 48-6 in the final minute of the Harry Jepson Memorial Trophy tie when Johnson - signed in the off-season on a one-year deal.- was dismissed.

The Rugby Football League's match review panel charged Johnson, who had spells with Doncaster and Dewsbury and was playing National Conference rugby for Thornhill Trojans before joining the Parksiders, with a grade E dangerous throw.

He pleaded guilty to the offence, but challenged the grading.

A disciplinary panel found the grading to be correct and imposed a six-match ban and £75 fine.

Meanwhile, Hunslet's opening Betfred League One fixture at Keighley Cougars on Sunday has been postponed.

Cougars will be in Coral Challenge Cup action after their third round tie against Newcastle Thunder was called off last weekend.

Hunslet coach Gary Thornton has welcomed the fifth round draw which saw his side handed a trip to North Wales Crusaders.

He said: “I was hoping for a home draw, but it could have been a lot worse.

"It’s not too far to travel, compared to Cumbria or London and it’s certainly a tie we’re capable of winning, although we’re very aware that we’ll have to be at our best."