Wakefield Trinity will be without former NRL prop Emre Guler for Saturday’s semi-final at Wigan Warriors.

An RFL disciplinary hearing this evening (Tuesday) rejected Guler’s appeal against a two-match ban which will keep him out of this week’s game and the Grand Final seven days later, if Trinity win at Wigan. The suspension was imposed after Guler was charged by the match review panel with grade E punching following his sending-off in last Friday’s elimination play-off win against Leigh Leopards. He was handed 17 penalty points.

A statement from the governing body said: “Emre Guler of Wakefield Trinity pleaded not guilty to the grade E punching charge. His challenge was unsuccessful. As a result, an additional five penalty points were added, taking him to 22 points. He will now receive a three-match suspension and fine.”

Though the ban has been increased, Guler effectively had nothing to lose as the additional match will be served in pre-season, as will the second game if Trinity lose this week.