The rugby League has confirmed that it has suspended the leading referee Richard Silverwood as an internal disciplinary measure.
He has been stood down until after the Super League Grand Final following an off-field incident at the Huddersfield-Leeds match 11 days ago – a match at which he was not officiating.
Silverwood, who refereed the Challenge Cup final at Wembley last month, had been due to take charge of the play-off between the same two teams tomorrow night. He has been replaced by Phil Bentham.
Gareth Ellis has been passed fit for this autumn's Four Nations and has been immediately drafted into Steve McNamara's England squad. The former Wakefield and Leeds forward, now with Wests Tigers, has struggled with a groin injury in the latter stages of the NRL season, but has now been given the all-clear.
"We're delighted that Gareth is fully fit and available," said McNamara. "It's a massive boost and will add real strength to our pack."
However, England's other major export to the NRL, Sam Burgess, is out of the tournament. He is on holiday in England, but will be ruled out by the shoulder injury he suffered playing for South Sydney.
The Catalan Dragons will be without their prop, David Ferriol, for Sunday's play-off against Wigan, after deciding not to appeal against his one-match suspension for lifting the knee in the tackle.
Leeds have included Kyle Amor in their squad to play Huddersfield tomorrow after he spent most of the season on loan at Wakefield. Ryan Bailey is able to play for Leeds after winning his appeal against suspension.
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