Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Cup final referee suspended for play-offs

 

Dave Hadfield
Thursday 22 September 2011 00:00 BST
Comments

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 He has been replaced by Phil Bentham.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.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in