Millington cleared for Castleford Tigers' next game - but St Helens star Makinson given long ban

Castleford Tigers forward Grant Millington's one-match suspension has been overturned.
By Peter Smith
Published 19th Aug 2020, 20:51 BST
Updated 19th Aug 2020, 20:56 BST
Grant Millington. Picture by Bruce Rolliinson.Grant Millington. Picture by Bruce Rolliinson.
Grant Millington. Picture by Bruce Rolliinson.

The Australian front-rower was charged by the Rugby Football League's match review panel with two separate counts of grade A dangerous contact, against St Helens’ Theo Fages and Jonny Lomax.

He appealed after the panel imposed a one-match suspension for the second incident.

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Following Wednesday night's operational rules tribunal, carried out online, an RFL statement confirmed: "The tribunal ruled a caution would be sufficient punishment for a grade A charge of dangerous contact on Theo Fages in the 40th minute.

Tommy Makinson pictured scoring against Leeds earlier this month. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.Tommy Makinson pictured scoring against Leeds earlier this month. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Tommy Makinson pictured scoring against Leeds earlier this month. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

"Millington then accepted a grade A charge of dangerous contact on Jonny Lomax in the 48th minute, which had not been recommended to carry a sanction."

Tigers' Coral Challenge Cup tie against Hull on Saturday has been postponed and their next Betfred Super League opponents, Toronto Wolfpack, have withdrawn from the competition.

Their next scheduled game is agianst Salford Red Devils on September 3 or 4.

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Saints winger Tommy Makinson was banned for five matches after pleading guilty to a charge of 'other contrary behaviour' during the game against Tigers.

He was placed on report after being accused on grabbing the genitals of Castleford forward Liam Watts.

The RFL tribunal downgraded the offence from the match review panel's assessment of grade F - the most serious level - to grade E.

He will miss two games against Hull KR, a Coral Challenge Cup quarter-final meeting with Warrington Wolves and derby against Wigan Warriors, but will be available for the Challenge Cup semi-finals on October 3, if Saints get that far.

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An RFL statement said: "The Tribunal believed the incident merited a six-match suspension.

"However, Makinson’s previous good record, plea of guilt and clear remorse were taken into account in determining the punishment of a five-match ban."

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Related topics:Castleford TigersRugby Football LeagueTommy MakinsonTheo FagesSt HelensLiam Watts