Leeds Rhinos' Matt Prior challenges ban as Harry Newman's appeal is put back
Leeds Rhinos' Matt Prior will face a disciplinary hearing today (Tuesday) in a bid to overturn his two-game ban.
Prior was handed a two-match penalty notice after the RFL's match review panel charged him with a grade B 'late hit on kicker' in last Saturday's Magic Weekend win over Castleford Tigers at Newcastle.
The tackle, on Tigers' Danny Richardson, was not penalised at the time.
An RFL spokesman confirmed Prior has challenged the grading and his case will be heard this afternoon.
Prior has been suspended twice previously this season.
If the charge is reduced to grade A, he would still miss Saturday's match at Toulouse Olympique, but be available for the following Thursday's home clash with Wigan Warriors.
The ban, however, could be increased to three matches if the operational rules tribunal decide Prior's appeal is 'frivolous'.
Rhinos' appeal against an extra-match ban issued to centre Harry Newman has now been put back to tomorrow, because of five other hearings scheduled for Tuesday.
Newman received a two-game penalty notice for aggressive behaviour towards the referee in Leeds' defeat at St Helens last month and another game was added for a 'frivolous' appeal.