James Graham to miss 12 matches for ear bite

James Graham: His ban will rule him out of England's autumn internationals (Getty Images)

James Graham will miss England's autumn internationals after being banned for 12 matches for ear-biting.

The former St Helens prop was found guilty of the offence after being placed on report during the Australian Grand Final on Sunday.

Canterbury's Graham pleaded not guilty to biting Melbourne's Billy Slater, but a discip linary hearing in Sydney took just 10 minutes to find the charge proven.

He will now miss England's games against Wales and France, as well as the start of the next National Rugby League season.

Another British player is to try his hand in the Australian competition, the 19-year-old Wigan reserve full-back Matty Russell, has joined the Gold Coast Titans.

Russell, the back-up to Sam Tomkins at Wigan, made his Super League debut for the club this season, before spending a period on loan at Hull.

The Catalan Dragons have appointed a French coach for the first time with the promotion of Laurent Frayssinous to succeed Trent Robinson.

The former French Test half-back had been assistant to Robinson, who has left to take charge of the Sydney Roosters.